Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Sinn Féin's position on the Bill is already known. We believe the Bill is flawed and that it addresses only a tiny part of what is a massive jigsaw. It is regrettable that we are discussing this issue at the behest of An Garda Síochána. Rather than seeking to criminalise those caught up in addiction, we should be discussing a broader range of measures that seek to address the systemic and societal issues that lead to addiction. Sinn Féin has already expressed its disappointment that, when pressed, officials of the Department conceded that this measure was not being sought by people who worked with those with an addiction, including therapeutic communities, and that it formed part the response to issues that had arisen within the north inner city. That is regrettable.

Sinn Féin intends to table amendments to the Bill on Report Stage. As I said, our views on the legislation are already known. It is our view that much more needs to be done to tackle the effects of decades of under-investment and the neglect of communities that have led us down this road. I hope this is not just a PR stunt or a sticking plaster, although, as I have said publicly, I fear that it is. Sinn Féin has not changed its position. As I said, we propose to submit amendments to the Bill on Report Stage.