Dr. Gerry McCarney:

I suppose it is fair to say that there has been considerable good press about the Portuguese model, and it merits further observation and investigation to see how it would fit with the Irish perspective. I have examined the figures relating to young people in particular. We should keep in mind some of the relevant surveys, such as the health behaviour in school-age children surveys.

In Portugal there has been a gradual but consistent increase in cannabis use in particular. It is now the most used drug among the young population there. The change has arisen since 1999, when it first came in. Indeed, the rate of cannabis use in Portugal has increased to the extent that it is now only a little below the rate for Ireland. Therefore, we have an increasing pattern of drug use among young people in Portugal, whereas the Irish statistics for school-age children are on the way down.

There is a good deal about the Portuguese model that might be worth considering. That is for sure and I think we need to do that. However, we have spoken about ideology. We should not rush in. We need to stand back. People have various views. Not everyone is happy with the Portuguese model and not everyone is happy with the changes in the United States. Certainly, there is a need to develop services in this country. If we were to change the legal status of drugs without spending time developing the services then we are going to be in a difficult position. If more people are using, then, as a percentage, we are going to have more people with difficulties and hence more treatment needs.

It is not clear-cut. Depending on what they choose to pick out, people can use various data to support their argument. It depends on ideology. It is time for an independent assessment of the data and the studies available, not only those relating to Portugal but from other countries as well, because many jurisdictions are considering this.