Colm Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for introducing the Bill, which is only a small part of what needs to be done in this area. All Senators who spoke made constructive contributions. The Senators who tabled amendments hold genuine beliefs, and their views must be taken on board, albeit not in this Bill. I agree with them that the issue they have raised must be addressed expeditiously and I hope the Minister of State will return to the House in the autumn with comprehensive proposals to address it. She should establish a constructive and comprehensive mechanism for dealing with people who are addicted to drugs.

I also agree that bringing people with addiction through the courts is not the correct approach. However, the purpose of the Bill is to deal with drug pushers and it is necessary that we do so. I thank the Minister of State for introducing the legislation and hope it will be passed. I also hope the regulations required on foot of the Bill will be introduced as expeditiously as possible in order that the Garda has powers to deal with people who are pushing drugs on innocent people.