Mark Ward (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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There was a statement made that there was nothing at the Sinn Féin Ard-Fheis in respect of decriminalisation. I point out to Senator Ruane that we had a very comprehensive motion at the Ard-Fheis, motion No. 94 - I wrote the motion so I know it - that accepts all the recommendations of the citizens' assembly, including decriminalisation of drug use. Senator Ruane referred to people speaking out of both sides of their mouths. That motion is our policy. We stand over it. We take this committee very seriously. Our spokesperson on addiction and well-being, Thomas Gould, is on the committee. I am the Sinn Féin spokesperson for mental health and I am on the committee. That is how seriously we take it. I will not have anything of that sort thrown at me. Senator Ruane knows my background working with people with addiction, people in my community who were subjected to the criminal justice system when they should not have been. I have said that many times at meetings of this committee. I would not like to see our position misconstrued. I can give Senator Ruane a copy of the motion if she wants it.

This question may have been asked while I was outside the room at another meeting. Do the witnesses on both sides support decriminalisation? Do they support a model that goes further than a health-led approach?