In the programme for Government, there is a commitment to a health-led approach to the process of decriminalisation of personal drug use. There was an extraordinary number of submissions to the Department of Health over the summer as part of its public consultation process. This debate has been ongoing for many years. Most people here agree that harm reduction is the way forward to stop people going through the criminal justice system. When does the Taoiseach envisage this policy being realised? It has been suggested for many years and the vast majority of people in this country want to see a system that is health-led rather than one which throws people into jail.

I agree with the Deputy that we should adopt a health-led approach to combatting the use of illegal drugs. Convicting people for minor possession has not worked. We have appointed a judge to head a group to examine the matter under the auspices of the Minister of State with responsibility for the drugs strategy, Deputy Catherine Byrne. The group was given a year to do the work and it must be coming close to the end of that time now, although I do not have the exact date. I will certainly make inquiries and inform the Deputy as to when we expect to receive the report.