Lynn Ruane (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State. It is really positive that so many people in the Chamber view the system used in Portugal as a possible way forward.

The Minister of State mentioned that an "us and them" scenario was created when projects were set up but I assert that it was created not by the setting up of the project but by the people who decided to oppose the scheme. As a result, people who wanted to attend the projects did not attend and there were marches against the projects. It was the other way around. There is a misconception that the project created an us and them.

The Minister of State spoke about doing things differently. She has an opportunity to do things differently by not pressing the Government amendments and holding off until we discuss the legislation and how to implement the Portuguese model, instead of further pushing criminalisation. We should wait until we have had conversations.

The Minister of State shared her personal story and I shall do the same. As a 13 or 14 year old child I was a benzo user and we used to buy them in packets in Tallaght. Had I been arrested for doing so my life would not have gone the way that it has. Instead, I received support and I am now standing here today as someone who has worked in addiction services for 15 years.

We spoke about talking to the people on the ground. I talk to them every day and I am speaking on their behalf. If Members want me to fill the room and committee rooms with those people in order to facilitate discussions then I will do so.

I ask Senators to consider the following. If we agree that the Portuguese model is a good one then I suggest that we completely remove the amendments to the Bill until those discussions have taken place.