John Halligan (Waterford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The debate that took place on the issue of the seriousness of the problem of drugs was fruitful and rewarding because we do not get many opportunities in the House to discuss that serious problem. I support this amendment, which is well thought out. If there is to be any change in terms of any declared substance, it gives this House an opportunity to debate the sensitive and serious issue of drug abuse. This is the legislative assembly of the country and every issue that can possibly be discussed should be debated in this House. The designation of a particular drug or something that may happen in the future that should be decided by a particular Department may seem simple but this is such a serious problem throughout the country that it is valuable that the Oireachtas has every opportunity to debate it. This is the body that should make the decisions, not a particular Department. In fairness, issues to do with health and education invariably come before the Oireachtas to be debated or voted on. The same should apply in this case, so I support this amendment.

See this speech in context