Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I agree with the Deputy that it is a highly complex issue. From visiting communities, particularly visiting community employment schemes focused on rehabilitation, education, training and employment possibilities for people who have been involved in substance abuse, I am always shocked by the sheer calibre of the people it affects. They come from all walks of life. They are some of the brightest and creative people one could meet but they end up with this problem. It is horrible for them and for their families.

The Deputy referred to having a Minister of State with responsibility for this area. The Minister of State in my Department, Deputy Kevin Humphreys, spends a significant amount of time, as much as I do, visiting the different groups and organisations dealing with this problem. I know from the Minister for Health, Deputy Varadkar, about the Coolmine therapeutic centre, one of the leading centres in the country and situated in the heart of our respective constituency. That centre advocates a drug-free model of therapy. Again, I know the Deputy would be familiar with the different therapeutic approaches.

This year there are extra detox beds with more earmarked health resources for this area. I will concede it is still a severe problem for society. It is terrible for any family which has to experience a family member becoming for a period almost lost to drugs. From speaking about homelessness before Christmas, we know mental health issues, as well as substance abuse issues, can be heavy contributors to that, unfortunately. Again, the Government has devoted significant additional resources in addressing that. I know for instance that the homeless night café in Dublin city has given significant assistance to this area. Organisations such as Merchants Quay have done enormous work in helping people on the pathway to recovery and to wellness. At the end of the day, that is what we want for people.

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