Budget only deepens drugs crisis

10 Dec 2009

The government's budget "will only deepen the country's drug crisis", claimed the CityWide Drugs Crisis Campaign Coordinator, Daithí Doolan.

Speaking this morning in Ballyfermot, Doolan explained, "the governments cut of 11% in Drugs Task Force funding is a serious set back in the battle against the growing drugs crisis. Recent indications show that drug dealing and drug addiction is increasing due to the recession, yet our resources to tackle the problem have been slashed. These cuts must be seen in the context of funding cuts imposed earlier this year. It appears that this government are determined to lose the battle against drug dealers and their criminal gangs. While the cut in the price of alcohol is clearly a cynical attempt to get positive press. The price cut will mean a loss of €90m to the exchequer and further cuts to essential funding for drugs services."

Doolan went on to outline the impact on families and on communities, "this budget will mean a cut in local drug services, a cut in treatment and rehabilitation, cuts in family support services."

In conclusion Doolan demanded the Minister with responsibility for the National Drug Strategy to, "work with the communities most effected and to reverse these disgraceful cuts."