Joint Committee on Drugs Use to meet representatives from LGBTQ+, Traveller and youth services

The meeting will take place at 9:30am in Committee room 1 with representatives from the following organisations: 

• BeLongTo (LGBTQ+ Youth Services)
• Traveller Counselling Service
• Pavee Point Traveller & Roma Centre
• Connect 4 Project
• Youth Workers Against Prohibition Ireland

 Ahead of the meeting, Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy Gino Kenny said: 

“When we speak about drug use in public domains, we fail to recognise the complexities of drug use within the family and our community. This week we will hear from witnesses who will focus on the broader spectrum of drug use within our society. Research has shown the impact of social isolation, stigma, shame and lack of resources has on minority groups in Ireland leads to higher rates of drug use.

“Drug use is used as a coping mechanism to manage mental health. Many studies highlight bullying, victimisation, and a lack of social support in childhood as leading to higher rates of drug use among LGBTQ+ youth, members of the traveller community and the youth of Ireland. Among LGBTQ+ youth who had used drugs, 74% reported that their identity was not accepted at home. Drug use within the Irish Traveller community has become a significant concern, which has reached alarming levels. Recent data highlights that drug use among Travellers is disproportionately high, with around 60% of Travellers who attend Traveller Counselling Service generally affected by addiction.”

“The psychological and emotional environments in which children grow up, plays a massive role in shaping their behaviour. When children are raised in environments of trauma, fear, and instability, their natural inclination is to adopt survival mechanisms.”

“We look forward to having this important discussion with the charities and services on family and community and welcome the opportunity to further discuss the recommendations made by the Citizens’ Assembly.”

Watch the meeting live on www.oireachtas.ie or on the Oireachtas smartphone app for Apple and Android.

The Joint Committee on Drugs Use Interim Report, published on the 22 October 2024, is available on the Oireachtas website.