Máire Devine (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for what appears to be good news, although my naivety has been bashed out of me a little by the nuances of the responses provided by politicians. The staff of the south inner city drug and alcohol task force were not aware of the information the Minister of State has provided and believed the position in question had been suppressed or ignored. While they were reluctant to publicise the issue, they could no longer continue to struggle to cover this crucial area without staffing. I am pleased funding has been found for a full-time post, although I am not sure the task force staff are aware that funding had been provided for a three days per week position. I would like to find out which voluntary organisation in the south inner city has the hosting arrangement to which the Minister of State referred. If she is unable to provide an answer, I will find out the information.

I congratulate and support the Minister of State on her stance on the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill, which I acknowledge does not have much to do with the matter I raise. Nevertheless, the Bill addresses the well-being of citizens and I assure the Minister that it has mine and Sinn Féin's full support.