Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Government's health-led approach to drug and alcohol use is set out in the national drugs strategy, Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery. My priorities for the strategy are to strengthen the prevention of drug and alcohol use and the associated harms among children and young people and to enhance access to and delivery of drug and alcohol services in the community.

The Deputy has raised an issue that is impacting on many cities, towns and villages around the country. We have to strengthen drug monitoring and harm reduction measures and mitigate the impact of drugs on children, families and communities. I thank the various stakeholders across many Departments, section 39 workers and voluntary workers for their incredible work. The Deputy is right, in that there must be compassion for people who use drugs. There must be a way forward. I am blown away by the great work that is being done by communities.

See this speech in context