Social justice campaigner Sr Stanislaus Kennedy has called on the Government to provide more drug-treatment facilities and better co-ordinated services for drugs users.
Speaking at a conference in Killarney today, Sr Kennedy said facilities for those trying to beat their addictions were inadequate for the scale of drug use.
"There is a clear need for increased provision of drug services, including detox treatment, rehabilitation and aftercare," Sr Kennedy said.
"At present, waiting lists for methadone treatment vary from location to location, but a two-year waiting list exists for some heroin users - for example, homeless people.
"And too often gaps in service provision occur, meaning someone who has completed one stage of the recovery process is unable to access a service at the next stage. That can lead to a relapse and undoing the progress that has been achieved."
Sr Kennedy also called on the Government to invest more in preventative services and early intervention services.
