Conference told Govt is failing to deal with drugs

More than 5,000 people are currently homeless in Ireland on any one night.

A conference on drugs and homelessness in Dublin has heard that Government policies are being slammed by those working on the problem.

The conference also heard that there are over 15,000 heroin users across the country.

Director of Services at Merchant Quay, Dublin, said he was concerned that the Government is not dealing properly with the problems.

He criticised the Minister for Justice for wanting to invest in prisons and policing, saying the problem had “failed in American and failed in Europe and it will fail here in Ireland”.

He encouraged the Government to invest in disadvantaged communities and in policies to minimise harm associated with homelessness and drug use.

The conference is ongoing and will hear speakers from Australia, Europe and the USA.