Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Collaboration and talking with those who are directly involved is vital because there are unique factors and unique needs with regard to those who are in addiction. We have made some progress in the north inner city and in supports for workers. However, in the west, for example, mental health services will not deal with somebody who is currently in addiction and, because there is no addiction service there, those people are left with absolutely nothing. There is also a need to look at the term "dual diagnosis", which is an old psychiatric term from the United States of the 1950s and 1960s. We are saying that, for those in addiction, it is a mental health issue. The other part of the triangle is those who are homeless. Many of those who are homeless are also presenting with a mental health issue. It is this integrated service, with people talking together and collaborating, that will give the best outcome.

I am struck by the fact that the people I am talking about will not get next or near a mortgage, tracker or otherwise, unless they get into recovery. If they are in recovery, they will have their lives back and can do those things.

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