Madam, - Carl O'Brien hits the nail on the head when he argues that failing to rebuild broken communities will be much costlier to society in the long term than taking action now (Opinion Analysis, October 29th).
Politicians talk of "protecting the vulnerable" and sometimes seek to address complex issues with a soundbite approach. However, their words are meaningless without policy, funding and commitment to provide the supports and housing vital to rebuild communities.
Issues such as poor housing, early school-leaving and addiction all contribute to community breakdown. People despair of social problems, including crime, that often grow in areas neglected over the years.
However, it is important to remember there are solutions to even the worst problems. Focus Ireland runs a "Step-Down" programme in Dublin - in partnership with the HSE - to support people who have overcome drug addiction to stay off drugs and move on from homelessness.
An independent evaluation found everyone who had completed this programme remained drug-free and found a home. One of them is training as a drugs worker to use his experience to help others.
If we want to tackle issues such as drugs and repair the damage done to communities, hard work is required. Otherwise the cycle of addiction, crime, prison and reoffending will continue.
There also needs to be more investment to provide homes for people most in need. Focus Ireland now provides a place to call home for nearly 600 households in Dublin, Limerick, Waterford, Cork, Kilkenny and Sligo. Having a home is the first step in achieving the stability to allow other issues to be tackled.
This work - and that carried out by other voluntary bodies in partnership with the Government and local authorities - needs to be built upon. Times are difficult economically but it is vital Ireland invests in its society if we are to tackle — and prevent — community breakdown.
Focus Ireland has already put forward innovative financial proposals to the Government for increased provision of social and affordable housing. This would help to stimulate the economy, protect jobs and provide homes for people most in need. It is is an approach which some other EU countries are already taking to these issues. - Yours, etc,