Aodhán Ó Ríordáin (Dublin North Central, Labour)
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Question 603: To ask the Minister for Health, further to Parliamentary Question No. 417 of 17 January 2012, his plans to decriminalise the possession of drugs deemed to be for personal use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4007/12]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Substances which have the potential to be misused are controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Acts. The legislation prohibits the import, export, production, supply and sale, and possession of controlled drugs unless carried out in accordance with the terms of licences or regulations made under the Act.

The Government has no plans to decriminalise the possession of illicit drugs deemed to be for personal use, for a number of reasons. Significant physical and mental health risks are associated with long-term use of illicit drugs such as heroin, cocaine and cannabis. Removing or lessening criminal sanctions may likely lead to increased levels of experimentation with drugs by young people, and sustained long term use causing increased health problems in our society. Furthermore, decriminalisation at a national level rather than a European level might increase the risk of Ireland becoming a destination for "drug tourism" with consequential problems.

The Government is satisfied that the existing penalties associated with possession of cannabis or other controlled substances, which are lesser in the case of possession for personal use, are appropriate.