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People in Ireland are dying from drugs at a rate that is three times higher than the EU average The tepid response to the report from the Oireachtas Committee on Drugs Use from government is hugely disappointing, according to Social Democrats justice spokesperson Gary Gannon. Deputy Gannon, who is chair of the Committee, said: “In […]

Personal possession of drugs for one’s own use should cease to be treated as a criminal matter and should instead be met with a health-led approach, according to Social Democrats justice spokesperson Gary Gannon. Deputy Gannon, who is Chair of the Oireachtas Drugs Committee, said: “The Committee recommends the repeal of section 3 of the […]

The drug trade must not be allowed to ravage our most disadvantaged areas any longer, according to Social Democrats Councillor Daniel Ennis and justice spokesperson Gary Gannon TD. Councillor Ennis said: “Over 1,000 cases of drug-related intimidation were recorded by drug and alcohol services in 2025, which affected all age groups, including children and the […]

Chronic underfunding of policing and safety initiatives in Ballymun has exposed children to the horrors of the drug trade, according to Social Democrats TD Rory Hearne. Deputy Hearne, who represents the Ballymun area, said: “Yesterday’s incident in Ballymun happened as a result of safety and drug-related intimidation being left unchallenged in the community by successive […]

To date, the state has shown no concrete intention of adequately funding the recommendations of the Dublin City Taskforce, a status quo which must now end, according to Social Democrats justice spokesperson Gary Gannon. Deputy Gannon, who represents Dublin Central, said: “Fine Gael’s sudden interest in city regeneration in the run up to the 2024 […]

Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon has called on the government to formally designate the forthcoming National Drugs Strategy – scheduled for publication by the end of 2025 – as an interim strategy. Deputy Gannon, who chairs the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Drug Use, said: “It would be a profound breach of democratic accountability for the […]