Annie Hoey (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I was just at a briefing by the local drug and alcohol task forces in Buswells Hotel. They were talking about investment to support and aid their recovery. I am sure they will have circulated the information to everyone and I need not go into great detail. Drugs and alcohol do not only affect the communities people might think of. There were representatives from Ballymun, Dún Laoghaire, Finglas, Cabra, Bray, canal communities and so on. We have discussed in this House how drugs impact our communities. It was very clear at the briefing that the funding has not increased for the local drug and alcohol task forces. In fact, because of increased costs, the funding has basically declined. The core funding has not kept pace with the reality of providing sufficient services. On pay and terms and conditions, they cannot compete with others, particularly in the public sector. One women said she had five applicants for three jobs. That is a really tough place to be when she is trying to provide a core service supporting communities, and she cannot recruit staff never mind retain them. I want to put on their record their call for Government to put its money where its mouth is. It must attempt to stop the corrosive damage to individuals, families and communities that are struggling to address drug and alcohol problems. They have requested an additional €3 million in 2024 for the local drug and alcohol task forces. That will help them strengthen their capacity to meet current and emerging need. When we hear of the massive budget surplus, €3 million is not an enormous amount to ask for. It is inequitable and ethically unjust that those closest to the reality of addiction are the least resourced. Perhaps we might have a debate in the House about drugs in our communities and what we need to do moving forward.