Maire Devine (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I have enjoyed the debate. The Minister knows the Sinn Féin stance on the amendments. We acknowledge the intent of both amendments and agree that most drug users are victims of addiction who are exploited by drug gangs and have been alienated for generations by our institutions, including Government. Sinn Féin policy clearly states that addiction is a public health issue and should be dealt with as such. It is important we avoid criminalising people for the possession of drugs for their own use. Instead, the priority must be to address addiction through enhanced health care and better resourced rehabilitation services. It should be within the policy area of health care and not criminal justice. This must be done in tandem with more robust laws that more effectively target pushers, the big guys and the fat cats that are rolling in it to the detriment of the unfortunate addicts they have created. They must be brought before the courts, charged and jailed. We will support both amendments.