At the recent North Inner City Drugs and Alcohol Task Force meeting the points I made during Leaders’ were brought home by one of the community reps talking about the two recent deaths in the inner city due to drugs. The list of points in relation to outstanding issues in relation to drugs, as requested by the Taoiseach, have gone to him – issues like dual diagnosis, resources, designated Minister, continued monitoring and support for Young People’s Facilities and Services Fund.
I also spoke on RTE Radio 1 Drivetime programme about the Taoiseach’s decision to ignore my request for a designated Minister for Drugs and highlighted the fact that we now have three times as many deaths due to drugs than we do from road accidents.
Last Thursday I visited the Mansion House for the launch of a report called ‘Addiction Recovery; a contagious paradigm’ by Gerry Mc Aleenan, Joe Barry and Martin Keane. It’s a very practical and real account of addiction, of services and recovery/rehabilitation. This was a wonderful positive event with very moving presentations by Sean of Soilse and Councillor Mannix Flynn, standing in for the Lord Mayor. Recovery does happen and it makes such a difference to the lives of those who find recovery.
Photo used under Creative Commons from ZaldyImg
