Government must prioritise tackling the drugs crisis – Ann Graves TD

Sinn Féin spokesperson on National Drug and Alcohol Strategy, Addiction, Recovery and Wellbeing, Ann Graves TD, has said that tackling the drugs crisis must become a political priority for this government.

Deputy Graves was speaking from Leinster House today after hosting a roundtable discussion with community drug projects, drug task forces and voluntary sector services.

Teachta Graves said:

“Today I hosted the first roundtable discussion in Leinster House with community drug projects, drug task forces and voluntary sector services in Leinster House.

“It is hugely important to ensure that the voices at the frontline of tackling addiction are heard and responded to. Those on the ground, providing addiction services are the real experts and must be central to developing the new National Drug Strategy.

“The message from today’s meeting was very clear. Tackling the drugs crisis must become a political priority for this government. There is an urgent need for a robust whole of government response to tackling the causes and consequences of the drugs crisis.

“This means providing adequate, multi annual funding for addiction services, ensuring the community and voluntary sector are central to the development of the new National Drug Strategy and reestablishing the Oireachtas Committee on Drugs.

“Drug addiction and the related issues of violence and intimidation remain linked to socioeconomic deprivation. Sinn Féin’s guiding principle in our approach to tackling drug addiction is that we must tackle the root causes while also offering accessible, immediate treatment options for those who need it.

“I have given a commitment today that I will be holding this government to account and ensuring the voices of clients, families and communities will no longer be ignored by decision makers.”