Alison Comyn (Fianna Fail)

I am very disheartened and disappointed by that response. I had real faith that it might be looked at again. This is a unique situation. The Red Door Project works on the ground. The implementation board put in these recommendations and it is disheartening to see it almost being taken away now. I am not taking away from the good work of the Ana Liffey Drug Project, but its people are not on the ground. It is true that it was put in as a temporary measure in Drogheda but it has proven itself by its results and the work it is doing. Continuity is key with this kind of work. I accept that staff from outside can be placed in County Louth to try to complete the work being done, but the trust may not be there. We are only now reaping the benefits from the lessening of the drugs feud over the past couple of years. Things have been picking up and to take that away now will have a hugely detrimental effect. It is terrible message to send to the people of the north east, to those who are very vulnerable. I still urge that there be some rearrangement made here.