Review: Drug abuse and homelessness rising

A new review has shown that the problem of drug abuse and homelessness in Dublin is getting worse.

Merchant's Quay Ireland, which provides a range of services for those who are homeless and those with drug problems, has published it's annual review of services.

Mary O'Shea, the Assistant Director of Services, says it shows that both problems must be kept on the political agenda.

"We saw an increase in the amount of drug users using our service. It went up from 3,818 to 4,481. Our homeless service also increased significantly. What we are really saying is that there is still a huge problem out there that needs to be addressed," she said.