Frances Black (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Earlier the witnesses spoke of the need for a shift in focus and leadership. For many of us here our political careers begin with advocacy, for example, within our own communities. There is always the worry of us becoming disillusioned or detached the more we have to engage with the system. It is almost like a little bubble in here sometimes. That is why we need and why it is so important that civil society and local communities participate in that arena in politics. We share the same vision but the approach taken is shaped by the expertise and experience of those in the driving seat. Engagement is simply not enough. We need innovative ways of sharing our expertise and working as a collective. What is the consensus among local drug and alcohol task forces in this regard? When working with statutory bodies or funded services, do they feel they are influencing the direction of a programme or shaping it? What changes can we make to bridge the gap between different organisations that share a common goal? Will the witnesses say a little bit more about that. I know they have touched on it but perhaps they will just say a little bit more on it.