An Cathaoirleach: Apologies have been received from Deputies Ward and Gould. Deputies O'Reilly and Seán Crowe are substituting for them.

The topic of our meeting today is family and community. This is the fourth part of this committee's module. We have a number of distinguished guests today. From Pavee Point, I welcome Mr. Thomas McCarthy, drugs, alcohol and addiction programme co-ordinator, and Mr. John Paul Collins. From Belong To LGBTQ+ Youth Ireland, I welcome Ms Brenda Kelly. From Connect 4 Project, I welcome Mr. Paul Perth, team leader, and Mr. Robert Whiteley. From Youth Workers Against Prohibition, I welcome Mr. Karl Duque and Mr. Eddie D’Arcy. From Traveller Counselling Service, I welcome Mr. Thomas McCann, director.

I invite Mr. Collins to give the opening statement from Pavee Point.

Mr. John Paul Collins: I thank the Chairperson and members of the committee. Pavee Point welcomes the opportunity to make a presentation today and in particular is encouraged that this Joint Committee on Drugs Use is undertaking a health-led approach and that the needs of Travellers and Roma are included in overall discussions of the committee. We also welcome yesterday's interim report by the committee that largely reflects the citizens' assembly recommendations. We call on the State to urgently ensure both reports are reflected in the upcoming national drugs strategy....

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