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

I welcome the opportunity to speak on this legislation. I understand that the Bill addresses many of the issues that extend beyond addiction and these have been well addressed by Deputy Daly. As the Sinn Féin spokesman on addiction, recovery and well-being, I feel it is vitally important to speak for those in the sector who are actively experiencing the harmful impacts of addiction - both individuals in active addiction and their loved ones, and their communities.

Addiction services in this State, at government level, have stalled. While those on the ground work tirelessly, we are faced with funding for task forces that does not even match 2010 levels. The three largest cities have no supervised injection facilities. Research undertaken by my office indicates that we have a shortage of 558 residential treatment beds, 93 detox beds and 161 step-down beds. These gaps are leaving people waiting for more than six months for treatment in some cases and despite the huge work being done by those in the sector, the Government is allowing people to fall through the cracks.

It is Sinn Féin’s belief that a health-led approach to addiction means closing the gap and providing funding for localised, responsive services. We believe that Fine Gael will never make these changes and that Fianna Fáil and the Green Party have turned a blind eye to the addiction sector and their huge failings. All of this happened under austerity and it is still here today.

For too long, those in addiction, their families and communities have been the black sheep of society. We believe the Bill should have given people an opportunity to discuss it but the Government's amendment to kick it down the road and prevent this conversation and votes from taking place is wrong. My final point is that if we are really serious about change, we must fund addiction services and rehabilitation services because if we do not fund them, those in addiction and recovery will not get the supports they need.

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