The Committee met with the following witnesses: 

• Mr Ken Kilbride, CEO, ADHD Ireland
• Dr Sonia Morris, Board member, ADHD Ireland
• Professor Catherine Comiskey, Academic
• Mr Philip David James, Academic

Speaking ahead of the meeting, the Cathaoirleach said: “Today’s session will examine the need for more comprehensive, joined-up services when it comes to substance use and neurodivergence, and the high rates of co-occurring mental health difficulties among people with substances use disorders.  Support services are coming under increasing pressure, particularly as the number of adults seeking a diagnosis increased post-pandemic. The Committee looks forward to hearing from and engaging with this week’s witnesses to discuss the prevalence of neurodiversity among people who use drugs, the factors that place them at increased risk – including stigma, unmet support needs, and self-medicating to cope with daily challenges – and the range of psychological, social, and medical interventions available.”

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

View the video of the Committee meeting on the Oireachtas website [11 December 2025, begins at 16 minutes].

Opening statements:

• Opening statement, Ken Kilbride, CEO, ADHD Ireland
• Opening statement, Prof. Catherine Comiskey, Professor of Healthcare Modelling (School of Nursing and Midwifery), Trinity College Dublin
• Opening statement, Philip David James, Assistant Professor, Mental Health Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin