I raise an issue that comes directly from my experience of working over the years with people at Tiglin who have suffered from addiction and mental health issues. Every day, we meed individuals who are struggling not only with substance use but also with real and serious mental health challenges, including suicidal ideation, deep depression and trauma. They are not separate but intertwined problems. Yet, we see that again and again when these individuals turn up at hospitals, clinics, accident and emergency departments, etc., they are told they cannot be treated because they are under the influence of drugs. An issue arose last week when a young man in Limerick presented to a hospital. He was suicidal and in trouble. He went to the hospital looking for help and was, unfortunately, told that because he was under the influence of a substance, the staff could not help him. The problem is that if that person then appears for help at a drug clinic, he or she is told it is a mental health issue. There is an issue here. People are falling through the gaps. No door should be the wrong door when you are seeking help but for people with dual diagnoses, that is exactly what is happening.

This is a glaring gap in services. Work has been done in the Department to try to fill the gap, but these things are happening every single day. We are seeing it more and more. I have had those experiences this week. We need integrated pathways where addiction and mental health services work together and not separately. We need clear clinical responsibility and proper resourcing. We need a system that meets the likes of the young man who showed up in Limerick where they are at and that does not turn them around so they are sent around in circles.

I ask the Leader to bring the matter to the Minister and to request a focused debate on dual diagnoses. We need to address this gap and until we do, those people will be left in desperation.