David Cullinane (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

There is nothing in these amendments that would contravene anybody's constitutional rights. The Minister has simply cherry-picked the examples we gave in a way that suits his position. If somebody drinks and drives, they may harm not only others, but also themselves. Medicines are prescribed by doctors in order to protect the public; we do not allow people to pick and choose which medicines they use. If we were to say, on the logic of the Minister's argument, that people can choose whatever medication they like because they have a constitutional right to do so, it would not stand up. I ask the Minister to listen when I am responding to him. People in this State are not entitled to smoke cannabis. Some argue that such a right should exist, and some might even take the Minister's analysis and claim a constitutional right to do so. We, as legislators, make the decision as to whether such a right is given.