Feargal Quinn (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister and the legislation. I am puzzled at the speed with which the Government acted when the Court of Appeal made its views known. Since I came into the House, I have criticised how long it takes to get things done, so in this instance I say "Well done". I question whether we might leave loopholes in legislation when we move too quickly. While I am always in favour of speedy movement in these areas, I am concerned that when we do so, we may not give the Bill enough attention. I hope the President will be able to sign the Bill into law immediately.

I remember when the head shops legislation was introduced and we had to do something with it. It reminded all of us how quickly the area of drug abuse moves. Most of us who have not had much experience of it could not get over the speed with which the head shops turned up, the products that were on sale and the damage they did. If we are going to tackle the drugs scene, we must take action. I imagine this is the action the Minister will be expected to take and I am delighted he will be able to do it. We need to pay attention to and take action on the drug scene very quickly. If we close one door, the people involved will quickly open another. I am delighted the Minister has taken action so quickly. Hopefully, it will solve the problem. Let us have a wider debate on drug use to ensure we do not allow other doors to open in future.