Sinn Féin TD for Dublin South West Seán Crowe has called for greater resources for community addiction projects and a pay increase for Section 39 workers employed by them and who haven’t received an increase in over ten years.

Teachta Crowe, describing their work as vital, raised the issue directly with Tánaiste Leo Varadkar in the Dáil this week asking him if the Government intended to reverse the decade long cuts as many community-based drugs projects had lost and continue to lose highly skilled and qualified staff to the private sector.

Teachta Crowe said:

“The Programme for Government lauds the good work that local Drugs Task Forces do, but nowhere does it mention giving a rise in pay to Section 39 workers who have not seen an increase in ten years. Their support work with those in our communities suffering from addiction is vital and needs to be recognised and rewarded.

“For over a decade, financial support from successive governments has been cut while communities right across Ireland face an explosion of new illegal drugs, open drug dealing and drug taking. Community-based drug rehabilitation and addiction supports are at the frontline in aiding those who need help. They have emerged in communities to plug gaps or fill in services and supports that and are a direct response to the state’s complete lack of interest in providing community-based services.

“Hand claps and praise from successive Government Ministers means little if you are constantly facing massive increases in rent or the cost of living.

“It is wrong that any worker be left without a pay raise for ten years, but this is a sector of workers that the Government relies on to provide services and addiction support. The Government needs to end their useless plaudits and address these workers’ pay concerns.”