Update 1.25pm: Taoiseach Leo Varadkar given his backing to moves which would decriminalise possession of a small amount of drugs.

Outgoing drugs strategy minister Aodhán Ó’Ríordáin has joined calls for action on the drugs problem after three suspected drug-related deaths in the last week.

Labour TD Aodhán Ó Ríordáin has been appointed as Minister of State for the Drugs Strategy in addition to his existing responsibilities.