Dublin South East Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Doolan-Government must address crack crisis in Dublin

Published: 14 December, 2005

Sinn Féin Representative for Dublin South East Councillor Daithí Doolan today accused the government, "of failing in their commitment to tackle the consequences of drug addiction in our communities."

Speaking ahead of today's press conference in the Hardcourt Hotel, Cllr. Doolan said, "In recent days we have witnessed an unprecedented outpouring of self congratulations from the government for their so called 'give away' budget. Unfortunately the funding provided to the National Drugs Strategy is totally inadequate and unacceptable. A miserly Euro1m has been allocated to tackle emerging needs in the battle against crack and cocaine. It has also been revealed that there is a Euro15m shortfall in the budget for local drugs task forces.

Today's press conference is organised to highlight this crisis and demand that the government wakes up and supports communities in their battle against drug addiction. The crisis has been brought to a head by the resignation of Fergus McCabe from the National Drugs Strategy Team (NDST). Fergus, a long time anti drug activist, is the sole community representative on the NDST. He felt he had no other option but to resign considering the government's appalling inaction on the issue.

The inaction clearly shows just how out of touch this government has become. Cocaine and crack have now become a reality on our streets and in our communities. The government must release the funding as a matter of urgency, we simply do not not have the time or luxury to bury our heads in the hope it will all just go away "

In conclusion Cllr. Doolan called on Minister for State Noel Ahern, "to take his head out of the sand and commit the funding and resources necessary to implement the National Drugs Strategy."