Sinn Féin TD Ann Graves has said that people living with addiction are being “ignored” by the government.
The Dublin Fingal East TD was speaking after a recovery meeting in Leinster House, which saw service providers and service users meet with policy-makers.
Graves, who serves as Sinn Féin’s spokesperson drugs, alcohol, addiction, recovery and well-being, said “for too long the voices of those who live with addiction have been sidelined and ignored; I am committed to changing this.”
“That is why I have organised the second annual recovery event in Leinster House. This event puts those most affected by addiction centre stage and allows their voices to be heard by policymakers and decision-makers.”
Graves said that there needs to be a “comprehensive” health-led approach to drug use.
“Punishing and criminalising people never worked and never will work,” she said.
“The report from the Joint Committee on Drug Use is the road map to this health-led approach. The government should adopt the report and fully integrate it into the National Drug Strategy,” Grave stated.
“I was delighted to have fifty service providers and service users from across Dublin and beyond in Leinster House. This year’s theme was Recovering Together. Highlighting that everyone, every family and every community have the right to recover from addiction and drug-related violence.
“We heard that with the right support people can and do recover from addiction. Paying lip service achieves nothing. We need a government that is committed to adequately resourcing addiction services, local drug task forces and rehabilitation projects. This year’s government budget is an opportunity to that.,” the Dublin Fingal East TD said.
The Sinn Féin TD said, “the government has a record budget surplus. I would appeal to the Minister for Health to provide multi-annual funding to drug services, to invest in family support and tackling drug-related intimidation.”