Senator criticises Department of Health over collapse of drugs taskforce

Independent senator Lynn Ruane said the collapse of the task force was “one of the most serious attacks” on the independent voice of the community sector. Picture: Gareth Chaney/Collins

Senator Lynn Ruane has likened the Department of Health’s allegation of “governance” issues at a local drugs task force to a person being called a “rat” in a local community.

The Tallaght social justice campaigner said the word “governance” suggested that serious offences had taken place — but said the department had not provided any evidence of what governance concerns it had.