Ann Graves (Dublin Fingal East, Sinn Fein)

Go raibh míle maith agat, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle. Budgets are as much about political priorities as they are about financial commitments. This year’s budget was one of two halves. There was more for the have-lots and basically nothing for the have-nots. The ESRI has said losses will average 2% for households already struggling to deal with the cost-of-living crisis. It appears the budget for drug and alcohol task forces has been cut by 25%. The one line in the budget referring to tackling the drug crisis states that the allocation of funding for drug task forces for 2026 is €8,762,000. It is confirmed beside the figure that this is a reduction of 25%. This has created deep concerns in communities that depend on task force funding. These are essential projects and they deserve clarification. Will the Minister of State confirm whether the budget for drug and alcohol task forces has been cut? The lack of transparency this year continues to cause angst for the people involved.

When responding to my colleague, An Teachta Ward, an Tánaiste could not clarify this, so I am hoping the Minister of State will be able to set the record straight. I contacted the Minister of State with special responsibility for the national drugs strategy in September seeking a meeting to discuss the drugs strategy. I am still waiting for a response but I am hoping the Minister of State, Deputy Murnane, can find the time to meet up.

I have been out visiting the community-based drug projects while also inviting groups into Leinster House for roundtable discussions to discuss how we can tackle drug-related intimidation and ensure better outcomes for those seeking rehabilitation, dual diagnosis and family support. I organised the first-ever recovery event in Leinster House in September to mark and celebrate Recovery Month. It is a pity that Government Ministers could not or did not attend to hear how, with proper funding and support, people, families and communities can and do recover from addiction. Yesterday, I had a meeting here in Leinster House with Uisce, the advocacy group for people who use drugs and drug services. Their stories were absolutely heartbreaking but it was also inspiring to hear first-hand the causes and consequences of addiction.

The homeless crisis is deepening in the city and the Government’s budget does nothing to improve the situation for the 11,782 people homeless in Dublin today. I appeal to the Minister to invest in providing decent homeless accommodation that will contribute positively to the lives of the homeless and those who are in addiction and recovery.

The accommodation should be safe and secure. The one issue that keeps coming up is the lack of consultation, inclusion and adequate funding.

Sinn Féin and I are absolutely committed to working with people, families and communities who are battling addiction and the trauma that comes with it. We will continue to work with these communities to make addiction a political priority again and to ensure that the budget next year reflects this commitment. Budget 2026 will impact the most vulnerable in our society, namely carers, those with disabilities, the elderly and families struggling to make ends meet with childcare costs, etc. This Government will be judged on how it deals with the most vulnerable.

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