Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his response. I welcome that the Minister of State is taking up my suggestion to visit and meet the groups and practitioners who are literally at the coalface. I hope the Minister of State will be able to visit Cavan and meet that group early in his Ministry. I expect the Minister of State would be highly impressed by their work and commitment. There are people working there who went through the service and who are now helping to deliver services to people who have addiction problems.

I am familiar with the negotiations between the Cavan project and Merchants Quay Ireland. I know from reading some of the material produced by Merchants Quay Ireland that the organisation is exceptionally good in its analysis of what needs to be done in this country.

I welcome the funding for the new initiatives. We must ensure, however, that annual funding for projects that have been in existence for some time, delivering results for so many individuals and families, is not being reduced in real terms. Let us consider the Cavan project. It has received practically the same funding for the past nine years. In view of increased costs in every respect, this means a reduction in the level of funding available annually. That is not sustainable. Those involved have been under extraordinary pressure to keep these important services going. They have raised money through the usual fundraising avenues. We all know, however, that the fundraising mechanism is not available at present. It has not been available since mid-March. There are serious difficulties for organisations and service providers that depend increasingly on raising funding in the community. It is important that the Minister puts the regional task force back at the centre of the provision of these necessary services.

The model was a good one when it was initially developed. It has worked well over the years. It needs to be rejuvenated and regenerated while working alongside the HSE. We have the expertise and there is a proven track record by service providers. Let us build on that expertise, keep the partnership and keep the voluntary ethos. I know the people on the board in the Cavan project, who are providing services to persons in Cavan and Monaghan, give so willingly of their time, knowledge and expertise. When the Minister of State has an opportunity to meet that group, he will see at first hand the value of this project and the need to ensure it survives and provides the services that are so needed by so many individuals.

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