Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

That is no problem. I thank the Minister of State for his response, in particular the second half. The first half was Government jargon, but at least in the second half of the response he was genuine in the comments he made which was good to hear. When we are talking about people starting a recovery journey, it is not a political football. These are people who are vulnerable and need support. People in recovery is not a hot topic in politics. It is sometimes an area many people are not interested in or do not want to go near. When we are dealing with people who are in recovery, they need supports.

In the last part of his response, the Minister of State touched on the Government's new homeless strategy and Housing First. The target for 2023 Housing First is 240 tenancies. Our alternative budget brought forward by Deputy Ó Broin and I proposed a figure of 750. That is still not enough, but a target of 240 is unambitious. I ask the Minister of State to speak to the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and when they are examining housing first they consider having step down and transition facilities. When people come out of places like Bruree and go into somewhere for six months, they need somewhere to go afterwards as well as wraparound services.

Six out of ten people on the island of Ireland experience addiction in their family, friends or themselves. This is not just about the individual; it is about the wider family and community and us as a State. I implore the Minister of State to examine this issue. I will send him a copy of the document I produced. I would love to work with him.

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