Fine Gael and Fianna Fail continue to debate the decriminalization of cannabis during government formation talks. Fianna Fail supports decriminalization, while Fine Gael prefers a health-led approach to addiction without societal acceptance of drug use.
Fine Gael and Fianna Fail continue to disagree on the decriminalization of cannabis. The two parties are in ongoing government formation talks, after policy approaches to drug use emerged as a flashpoint during the election. Fianna Fail ’s election manifesto called for the decriminalization of cannabis. On Thursday, party leader Micheal Martin stressed that decriminalization is not the same as legalization. He told reporters he was 'surprised' at negative reaction to the policy.
'A health-led response is something that we will promote and will be in the programme for government. That has been the trend for quite some time.' He added: 'It’s been a consensus within Dail Eireann, various Oireachtas committees, all-party committees and members from different parties agreeing with this. 'Decriminalization is not the same as legalization is. I think it’s to give opportunities to young people to emerge from a phase of their life without a blot on their copybook that could restrict them later on in life. 'Having been a former minister for health, addiction is something that we need to deal with through a health lens, a health approach, as opposed to a criminal justice approach. 'That relates to alcohol, gambling and drug addiction. We’ve got to resource health better to deal with addiction more generally.' Fine Gael leader and Taoiseach Simon Harris agreed that there needed to be a health-led approach to addiction, but cautioned against 'creating a social acceptance' around drug use. 'I have a very strong view on this. As a health minister and briefly as a justice minister, I’ve always believed there should be a health-led approach to addiction. 'I think people who suffer from addiction should be supported in a compassionate, sympathetic and health-led approach. 'I think there’s a very big difference between a health-led approach and generally creating a social acceptance around the taking of drugs that can have very significant adverse health effects. 'We’ve worked so hard as a country to make progress on tobacco, to make progress on alcohol, I’d hate to see anything that brought about unintended consequences. 'So my views in relation to broader decriminalisation remain the same, and I wouldn’t be in a position to support that.
Cannabis Decriminalization Fine Gael Fianna Fail Government Formation Irish Politics Health-Led Approach Addiction
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Fianna Fail and Fine Gael ramp up Government talks amid hunt for third partnerIt follows a meeting between chief negotiators for both parties on Tuesday evening. Fianna Fáil's deputy leader, Jack Chambers, met with Fine Gael's deputy leader, Helen McEntee, to discuss how the government formation talks will run.
Read more »
Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael to begin full negotiations for next Government todayFianna Fáil and Fine Gael will begin full negotiation talks for forming the next Government toda...
Read more »
Government formation: Negotiations continue as Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael discuss coalitionFianna Fáil and Fine Gael have met to discuss Government formation, as well as separately meeting with the Social Democrats.
Read more »
Election 2024: Labour set ‘to exit coalition talks’ with Fianna Fáil and Fine GaelSources indicate that move to shut down discussions with right-of-centre duo will end government-formation option
Read more »
Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael to discuss how they will approach election of ceann comhairleTalks continue between potential parties to coalition government
Read more »
Healy-Rae Open to Talks with Fianna Fáil and Fine GaelDeputy Michael Healy-Rae has stated his willingness to engage in negotiations with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, emphasizing his desire for a 'secure and stable' government that benefits the people of Kerry. He has pledged to vote for Micheál Martin as Taoiseach if an agreement is reached that aligns with 'common sense' values.
Read more »