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The networking organisation that oversees primary healthcare services for the homeless has said it is aware of a fatal drug overdose, usually involving a young client, every fortnight.

DEPRESSION, dental decay and the threat to health from alcohol and drug use feature heavily among homeless people, almost half of whom suffer from both physical and mental ill health, according to a report.

ALCOHOL is a far bigger menace in Irish society than illegal drugs and tackling the problem will form a key part of a new National Drug Strategy to be launched later this year, a government minister has said.