Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

As we debate, I am quite sure that there are "scientists" who, at the behest of drug dealers, are working on new drugs involving some combination of what is there already or that will replace what will be on the schedule. From my point of view and where I represent, time is of the essence when any of these new drugs appear. Another new drug could appear tomorrow involving some combination of what is there now. If we do not move quickly enough on these new drugs, they grab a hold of young and older people. The legislation, when it appears, will be too late for many of them.

There is a good community policing initiative in the north inner city in Dublin Central but the hands of the gardaí are tied because of the lack of legislation. What the Minister is bringing in now will cover some amount, but it will not cover everything and the hands of the gardaí will remain tied in the future. There has to be action when it is needed, not at a later date when they have probably gone on to another drug.

It is disappointing that the Minister will not accept the amendment. I want to see a more prompt and more urgent response when new drugs appear.

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