The Committee was joined by officials and representatives from Belong To - the national LGBTQ+ youth organisation, National Youth Council of Ireland, and Canal Communities Local Drug and Alcohol Task Force, including:

• Ms Brenda Kelly, Drug and Alcohol Senior Youth Worker, Belong To
• Ms Carmel Walsh, Director of Youth Services, Belong To
• Mr Mick Ferron, CEO, National Youth Council of Ireland 
• Ms Rachael Treanor, National Youth Health Programme Manager, National Youth Council of Ireland
• Ms Leanne Maher, Drug Education Worker, Canal Communities Local Drug and Alcohol Task Force

Speaking before the meeting, Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy Gannon said: “This week, the Committee will focus on how substance use affects young people across Ireland, and the role that social connection and community play in their relationship with substances. We know that young people today are navigating unprecedented social change. The constantly evolving online world has transformed how young people connect, presenting both opportunities and challenges for their well-being and mental health. The Committee looks forward to engaging with this week’s witnesses to discuss the vital role that youth work plays in young people’s lives, and the specific challenges facing young LGBTQI+ people, who experience substance misuse at higher rates than their peers.”

The Joint Committee on Drugs Use has 14 Members, nine from the Dáil and five from the Seanad.

View the session video on the Oireachtas website - Topic: Engagement on substance use and young people

Opening statement PDFs:

• Mick Ferron, CEO, National Youth Council of Ireland
• Brenda Kelly, Drug and Alcohol Senior Youth Worker, BeLong To LGBTQ+
• Leanne Maher, Drug Education Worker, Canal Communities Local Drug and Alcohol Task Force