Drogheda has experienced deep and persistent challenges linked to intergenerational addiction, domestic abuse and violence, particularly in communities that have faced long-term social and economic disadvantage. The Drogheda Implementation Board was a welcome and necessary intervention. It brought additional resources and enhanced policing. However, as that implementation phase has concluded, there is serious concern locally about what happens next, especially for the children and families living with the long-term consequences of trauma, addiction and violence. Intergenerational harm does not end when a plan ends. What specific steps is the Department taking to address intergenerational addiction, abuse and violence in Drogheda following the conclusion of the Drogheda Implementation Board? How is the Department ensuring that Tusla family support services, youth services, addiction services such as the Red Door, and domestic violence support services continue to work in an integrated and properly resourced way in the town?

I thank Deputy Butterly for raising this issue. I have seen at first hand the benefit of the work that was done by the Drogheda Implementation Board, which formally came to an end on 31 December 2024, having had its term extended. The board produced a very good report, Drogheda: Creating a Bridge to a Better Future, which had 74 recommendations.

They were really under two headings: the need for improved interagency co-operation and the need to resource additional services. I am pleased that over the lifetime of the board, 70 posts were created to drive forward implementation. Twenty three of these are permanent posts while others are funded on a long-term basis by a variety of Departments. In addition to this, €31 million of direct funding was committed to support the posts or capital projects. I recall during my time in the Department of higher education, I visited the Drogheda Institute of Further Education, DIFE. There are big plans for expansion there with the apprenticeship centre so lots of good work is happening.

The direct answer to the Deputy's question, in terms of driving it forward and continuing to bring the agencies together, is that will now fall to the auspices of the new Louth local community partnership to make sure it builds on that progress. Perhaps in the new year, we could engage and meet with the partnership or relevant State agencies on how to take that forward.