Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Thursday, 19 September 2024

Committee on Drugs Use

Decriminalisation, Depenalisation, Diversion and Legalisation of Drugs: Discussion (Resumed)

9:30 am

Photo of Lynn RuaneLynn Ruane (Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I wish to make three points. I might then give an opportunity for people to comment or deal with any unanswered questions that arose throughout the session before we wrap up.

On doctors, GPs or whomever being able to refuse care, reproductive rights is obviously one area in which that happens but that has been the subject of a constitutional debate for years when it comes to the religious context and all the different kinds of beliefs and stuff. When it comes to drug use and being able to refuse to become a prescriber, I understand that addiction exists across the spectrum but, as has been said, drug users put themselves in hierarchies. They always have adopted a view of "I am not as bad as them", "I do not do that" or "I do not use needles," but it feels as if there is a huge level of classism involved when doctors can say they are uncomfortable. If people train to a high professional level and complete extra specialist training - it is great to have such training - that is great, but what if someone has to deal with a person who has a rare disease and says that they are not comfortable taking them on as a patient because he or she is not a specialist? It seems that allowances are being made in respect of addiction and that people have to complete specialist training before they can become prescribers. What is the position culturally within the profession? I am not into shaming people because that does not solve anything, but is there a cultural push towards the view that such an attitude is not good enough from a professional?