Seanad debates

Wednesday, 19 July 2017

10:30 am

Photo of Frances BlackFrances Black (Independent) | Oireachtas source

The injustice is unfathomable. Young people feel unsafe. These children were born into the system and confined to one room and four walls. They are not able to live normal lives or to develop as children should be. This is sowing the seeds for significant mental health problems down the line. We need to reject it. We know the reality of what it is like in these centres. This report shines another light on the scandalous conditions that children are living in in 2017. I call on the Minister to give an urgent response and engage with Seanad Éireann on this issue.

I welcome the new drugs and alcohol strategy that was published this week, entitled "Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery - A health-led response to drug and alcohol use in Ireland 2017-2025". Under this strategy, the devastating effect of addiction on families will be considered and the fact that addiction in the family is a family disorder, disease or however one would like to phrase it will be highlighted. Families need a separate recovery from the person in addiction.

I wish to highlight the fact that a licence was awarded this morning for drilling in Kerry. It is vital that the licence be revoked by the Minister. What is happening is a disgrace.

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