An Cathaoirleach: Apologies have been received from Deputy Máire Devine and Senators Mary Fitzpatrick, Lynn Ruane and Nicole Ryan. Senator Frances Black is substituting for Senator Ruane. I am delighted to open the 16th public meeting of the joint committee to examine issues around women, drug use, and addiction. I welcome Ms Jennifer Doyle, senior residential services manager, and Ms Julie McKenna, senior health and recovery services manager, NOVAS; Ms Susan Diffney, women's service co-ordinator, and Mr. Przemek Kluczenko, deputy head of operations and service delivery, Jane's Place; Mr. Gary Broderick, CEO, whom I welcome back, and Ms Jacqueline Kelly, community employment supervisor, SAOL; and Ms Anita Harris, deputy head of services, and Ms Aoife Marshall, team leader, Coolmine Ashleigh House. We are also joined by Ms Nikki Hayes...

Ms Julie McKenna: I thank the Chair and members for the opportunity to address them on the issue of drug use in Ireland, and in particular the experiences and needs of women in addiction. We wish to share our front-line experience of working with this group for more than two decades, sharing the lived and living experience of our clients. By way of introduction, NOVAS is a homeless charity and among our clients, we support women who are experiencing both homelessness and substance use. Our experience is grounded in front-line service delivery. We operate dedicated women's accommodation here in Dublin funded by the Dublin Regional Homeless Executive, DRHE, and HSE social inclusion, a specialist drop-in and outreach service for women in Limerick, particularly those who are rough sleeping and using crack cocaine, which is funded by the mid-west regional drug and alcohol forum, and a national suite of health and recovery workers providing tailored interventions for the women we serve.

NOVAS recognises the complex and enduring trauma experienced by women accessing our services and so all service development and delivery is through the lens of trauma-informed practice, is client-centred and reduces harm. Our experience tells us clearly that addiction does not impact women in the same way as men. Women's pathways into addiction, their experiences within it and their routes to recovery are shaped by gender. Many of the women we support have experienced gender-based violence, coercive relationships, sexual exploitation and deep trauma. A significant number are separated from their children, a source of profound grief and shame that can both drive and perpetuate substance use. Many live with dual diagnosis, addiction and mental health difficulties often compounded by neurodivergence, generational poverty and social isolation....

[Click here to read the full debate on the Oireachtas debate]

• Opening statement, Susan Diffney, Women's Services Co‑ordinator, Jane’s Place
• Opening statement, Julie McKenna, Senior Health and Recovery Services Manager, NOVAS
• Opening statement, Nikkie Hayes, Individual
• Opening statement, Anita Harris, Deputy Head of Services, Coolmine Therapeutic Community
• Opening statement, Gary Broderick, CEO, SAOL