Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I do not know if I was deliberately misunderstood or not but this emotional stuff trotted out to me, as if I am some sort of a bad boy by being opposed to help being given to people who are unfortunate enough to be caught up in this drug situation, is far from what I said. I do not have a problem with the legislation. I have a problem with what is not in it. There is no question here of any form of rehabilitation built into the legislation. There is no form of any answer as to how these drugs will be taken in when they are illegal.

We are lawmakers. This is not about emotion. I have as much sympathy for people caught up in the drugs war or in drug-taking. I have 13 grandchildren and five kids. I understand it perfectly. I have been a public representative for years. I understand all that emotional stuff. Coming back on top of me as if I am some sort of a cold individual who does not have any concern about these people is not correct. Of course, I have concerns. However, we have to remember we are lawmakers.