Thomas Pringle (Donegal South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The amendment attempts to shorten the process for proscribing new drugs. The Minister stated he must bring in primary legislation every time he wants to do that but that is more cumbersome. The previous system was that the Department could declare it. I do not see why it cannot be possible to have that declaration merely brought before the Houses so that it can be passed. This would be a quicker and easier administrative process than introducing primary legislation every time for new drugs.

Regarding what Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan said, the Minister intends to introduce the legislation later this year but that could be in December. Before that legislation passes through the Houses, this Dáil could fall and it would be left to the next Government to reinstate it. A system whereby a declaration can be put before the Houses and adopted rather than having constantly to introduce primary legislation seems a way to react more quickly and positively to add to the list of substances. I ask the Minister to give that serious consideration.

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