Mark Ward (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The Minister of State mentioned in his statement that there had been a misunderstanding on the part of CityWide. I have worked with front-line organisations in addiction centres, and they have experience of the way things work. They do not make mistakes or misunderstand what is happening. CityWide was unequivocal in what it said: it did seek a meeting with the Minister of State, Deputy Feighan, and there was no acknowledgement of the request. I did not say the Minister of State turned down the request, but there was no acknowledgement by him of the request for a meeting. A line needs to be drawn under the issue.

I welcome the initiatives the Minister of State outlined. I hope they happen, because we cannot erode any more community services or community resilience.

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