Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The level of open drug taking, antisocial behaviour and drug dealing on the main streets of our towns is worrying. It shows that law and order is losing the battle against drugs in many cases. I raised this matter with the Tánaiste during Leaders' Questions last week, specifically in the context of Clonmel town. He acknowledged we need a renewed focus. Open drug dealing in broad daylight on the main streets of our towns and villages is evidence that we do not have sufficient Garda resources in our towns.

One of the other difficulties is the sheer lack of support for those who have tried to break away from addiction, have gone through rehab and come out the other side. Young people - men and women - have come to my office saying they tried to do this but when they were put into homeless hostels the whole situation spiralled out of control again. They are doing their best to get away from the curse. They went through rehab but are falling into these traps again. The matter requires a renewed focus. We urgently need increased Garda numbers but also increased supports for those who have gone through rehabilitation and want to break free from the curse.

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