Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I understand Deputy O'Dowd's frustration in regard to this particular issue. The Minister of State, Deputy Catherine Byrne, wishes to assure him that Government is committed to tackling the problem through all the mechanisms available. As Minister of State with responsibility for the drugs strategy, Deputy Catherine Byrne, intends to continue to work with all the relevant stakeholders across the statutory community and voluntary sector to achieve better outcomes to the problems of drug and alcohol users.

On a practical level, the HSE has appointed a senior counsellor to counselling services in Drogheda. It has also given a commitment today to recruit an additional outreach worker in Drogheda and to assist people in addiction in accessing the community based addiction support service at the Red Door and elsewhere in the HSE. The north-east taskforce will be able to apply for additional funding under this initiative.

I understand the anger and frustration of Deputy O'Dowd in regard to the widespread intimidation and people having to leave the country. I know from my experience on the northside of Dublin that gang warfare and feuding destroys communities. I agree that action is needed. I will bring Deputy O'Dowd's concerns to the attention of the Minister of State, Deputy Byrne. Hopefully, there will be action taken over the next couple of weeks.

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