asked the Minister for Justice if he will consider the introduction of legislation to revise the penalties imposed for convicted persons with a view to introducing a policy of consistency in the imposition of penalties for similar type offences; and if he is aware of the widespread concern regarding the differences in sentences imposed in similar type offences for drug pushing.
Written Answers. - Imposition of Penalties.
293.
, Limerick East): I do not think that legislation can provide an answer to criticisms of inconsistency in the imposition of penalties. The usual suggestion is that legislation should, in respect of certain offences, provide either for minimum or fixed prison sentences as opposed to providing for maximum ones. As a general proposition, I would not favour such legislation. I would not, however, think it appropriate to comment one way or the other on penalties for drug pushing which is specifically referred to in the question. The reason is that any question of legislation to amend the law relating to the misuse of drugs, including the provisions relating to penalties for drug pushing, would be a matter primarily for the Minister for Health.