Today I am tabling an amendment to the Misuse of Drugs Bill 2015 to take Ireland on a more progressive course in terms of our drug policy.

My amendment, if successful, will decriminalise the drug user and so ensure that we have a health based approach to what is a medical issue.

It makes no sense whatever to deal with addiction through the criminal justice system.

Possession of an illegal substance to feed an addiction needs to be addressed with compassion and understanding,

My amendment will allow the criminal justice system to tackle the drug pushers, and not their victims.

The bill will be debated from 12.45pm today.

See amendment below:

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SEANAD ÉIREANN

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Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) Bill 2016

Committee Stage

Amendment

NEW SECTION

On page 5, line 24, to insert the following new section:

“Possession of controlled drugs for personal use.

Notwithstanding anything in the Misuse of Drugs Acts 1977 to 2015, in any proceedings for an offence under those Acts it shall be a defence to prove that the defendant had in his or her possession a controlled drug for his or her personal use and for no other purpose.”.

Aodhán Ó Riordáin