Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for her response. I hope the points made are being properly noted. It goes without saying that the passage of this legislation will not change very much in the way the serious matter of synthetic cannabinoids is addressed. I make no apology for specifying them. It is very important that legislation such as this is not employed as a means of compounding the already difficult lives of those who have developed a dependency on drugs. We believe the focus has to be legislation that would address seriously the suppliers and dealers. We want to see that.

I welcome that the Minister of State has indicated that legislation is being prepared to facilitate the introduction of the pilot injection centres. It is an important and very welcome proposal. I hope this calendar year will not pass without that legislation having been successfully advanced here and the project established.

Amendment No. 2, in tandem with amendment No. 1, makes an important point and merits the support of the House. While I am recording my colleague's and party’s wish that this be supported and accepted, I have indicated that we will not oppose the passage of the Bill. I do, however, believe it is an inadequate response to a critical need and, not even tongue in cheek, I refer the Minister of State and her colleagues to the most recent legislation passed in the House of Commons at Westminster. That approach merits consideration.

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