The Joint Committee on Drugs Use to discuss Youth Harm Reduction, Prevention and Diversion

The Committee will meet with the following representatives: 

• Mr John Fitzgerald, Area Manager Dublin City, Foróige
• Mr Darren Shanahan, Senior Youth Officer, Drug Prevention & Education Initiative, Foróige
• Ms Margaret Flanagan, Manager, Waterford and South Tipperary Community Youth Service, Youth Work Ireland
• Ms Christina Fogarty, CEO, Waterford and South Tipperary Community Youth Service, Youth Work Ireland
• Ms Jenny Courtney, CEO, Diamond Project
• Mr Dwyane Horace, Senior Project Worker, Diamond Project

Speaking ahead of the meeting, the Cathaoirleach, Deputy Gary Gannon, said: 

“Building on our discussion last week on the impact of substance misuse on young people, our meeting this week will focus on the community supports that reduce harm from drugs use and help young people to choose safer, healthier paths.

Groups on the ground, including Youth Work Ireland, the Diamond Project and Foróige, are working in genuine partnership with young people and their families, and the Committee looks forward to engaging with our witnesses on how this work builds trusting relationships within communities that can, and has, encouraged positive change around substance misuse.”

The Joint Committee on Drugs Use has 14 Members, nine from the Dáil and five from the Seanad.
  
The Committee meeting can be viewed live on Oireachtas TV. Committee proceedings can also be viewed on the Houses of the Oireachtas Smartphone App, available for Apple and Android devices.