Mark Ward (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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I thank the witnesses. It is extremely helpful to hear this international experience and I thank them for bringing it to us. Deputy Chief Constable Wilson highlighted some of the unintended consequences of decriminalisation in British Columbia. The use of drugs in public spaces such as parks and beaches, and on public transport, had an adverse effect on society and small businesses. I am from an area that has been over the years, and is still, ravaged by drug use and adversity. The last thing I want is to add any more damage to my community's safety and well-being. I want to frame my questions in a solution-focused way. If Ireland was to bring in legislation to decriminalise drugs, should we factor a prohibition on public use into that legislation at the very start? Where somebody does not have access to a home in which to use drugs, should public consumption rules be part of that legislation?