A taskforce must be set up to tackle the growing problem of drug addiction in Derry.
That’s the demand from Sinn Fein MLA Maeve McLaughlin as concern grows about the number of young people being caught up with drugs in the local area.
The issue has been debated widely following the recent suspected death of Galliagh teenager Andrew Quigley (pictured above).
Items belonging to the 19 year-old was found on the Foyle Bridge on January 18.
His family, who admitted that Andrew had battled with drug problems for several years, believe he jumped into the River Foyle.
In the wake of his suspected death, a campaign has been launched calling for a detox centre to be established in Derry to support people fighting drug addiction.
Ms McLaughlin said the recent events had brought to the fore the ‘reality of the devastation’ that drug and alcohol addiction and substance misuse has had on local communities.
“Those families directly affected by this addiction and misuse need to be reassured that we are listening and responding to their pleas for help.
“While the need for sensitivity is ever present, the last thing we should do is to proceed on the basis of the last tragedy. That is why I am calling for the establishment of a North West Addiction Task Force.
“While understandable, the use of recent tragic events to suggest that there are no facilities or that nothing is being done is unfair to the many excellent groups and organisations across the statutory and community sectors providing essential services.
“It can also contribute to the sense of desperation in which some of the most vulnerable people find themselves. This is not to say that more does not need to be done.”
 

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