....Deputy Verona Murphy: The Cornmarket project in County Wexford is a support service for individuals with a history of addictions. A co-ordinator in the services has contacted me to say that the HSE is set to slash 26 front-line positions in social inclusion services at the end of this year. Twelve of those positions are specific to addiction-related services, and at a time when the demand for services is spiralling into a drugs crisis, this would be detrimental. There is a serious potential outcome if these positions are lost, and we are facing a public health emergency with regard to the current spate of drugs in villages and communities in County Wexford. Most recent figures show a massive increase of 23% in drug use across the south east between 2021 and 2023. It is an educated guess that that will go up in 2024 if this is to happen. We need investment in drug treatments and services to reduce wider costs to the taxpayer, and this is where we join the dots. The Cornmarket project believes that for every €1 spent, there is a €3 saving to the taxpayer across the sector. Will the witnesses clarify the current status of the 29 vacant positions across the south east? Because it feels like the south east is continuously being hit and discriminated against with regard to health supports. The HSE substance misuse services manager position has been vacant for more than 18 months in County Wexford. Will they please address that? We are in the throes of a drug misuse pandemic.

Mr. Bernard Gloster: I am not familiar with Cornmarket. I will say two things to the Deputy. I was in Ashleigh House in Coolmine, Dublin, the other day where women recovering from addiction have their children with them during their residential treatment. I have seen the fantastic outcomes there, which will save thousands for each person into the future. My plan with respect to addiction services is certainly not to cut any spending. I only see it going one way, and that is up. I will have to come back on the specifics of what the Deputy is saying because I do not know-----

Deputy Verona Murphy: So Mr. Gloster is not aware of the intention to cut 12 positions within the services.

Mr. Bernard Gloster: I have not authorised anyone to cut any front-line positions anywhere.

Deputy Verona Murphy: I would say it makes no sense at all given that every rural community in this country is facing an existential crisis with drugs. It is no longer the pastime of those who should be avoided. It is every village and community, and every young person I am acquainted with can tell me of friends or themselves being accosted and how it is being used in different environments. Now, this is not Mr. Gloster's fault, but this is most certainly not a time when we can take the eye off the ball. It ultimately leads to chronic.

Mr. Bernard Gloster: It is not my fault, but it is my responsibility-----

Deputy Verona Murphy: Partly, yes.

Mr. Bernard Gloster: -----to deal with it when it comes to my attention. I am saying that I do not know the specific project or the structure of that agency but I have not required, requested, allowed or created the conditions in which anyone in 2024 or 2025 has to cut a front-line service.

Deputy Verona Murphy: I am glad to hear it and I hope he will come back to me. Should there be any instance where we are deciding that, it should be decided by a stakeholder engagement group, which includes gardaí, community liaison officers and politicians. It should be everybody.

Mr. Bernard Gloster: That is what the drugs task force system was for, so I would expect that should happen.

Deputy Verona Murphy: Correct. That should happen well in advance of any cuts. I thank Mr. Gloster.