David Norris (Independent)

I am glad the motion I proposed on head shops has been given all-party support. There was some misunderstanding between myself and Senator O'Toole because I asked him to get agreement on this. I do not like the idea that we will pass the motion without discussion. I will not accept this and I will vote against the Order of Business unless we get a clear commitment and a firm date for this discussion. The debate has been started in a fine way by Senator O'Toole but there is much to be said about this matter. Drugs are sold uncontrolled, are highly addictive and can create at least medium-term psychotic episodes. The people selling them do not know what is in them. They are selling highly addictive drugs, one of which is cocaine with one molecule changed. This gets around the law. I heard a doctor make a couple of very good points this morning. In a restaurant everything is quality controlled and food and safety people monitor it even though the produce is only going into one's stomach. These drugs go directly to people's brains but there is no regulation. I must ask for a firm date on the debate.