Vol. 428 No. 5
199 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Health the plans, if any, she has to decriminalise cannabis, if her attention has been drawn to the views of CAD that such move would be a major setback; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
In addition to Community Action Against Drugs, CAD, other organisations and groups involved in the fight against drug misuse have expressed the view that this drug should not be decriminalised and the National Co-ordinating Committee on Drugs Abuse has recommended that the status of cannabis as a controlled drug should not be changed. I understand that the Garda are also totally opposed to having it decriminalised. I agree with these views and I have no plans to decriminalise the drug under the Misuse of Drugs Acts.
