Legalise recreational drugs, says senator

An independent senator has called for recreational drugs to be legalised and for the State to control the sale of substances. Senator James Heffernan made the remarks as emergency legislation was rushed through yesterday to re-ban the possession of ecstasy, magic mushrooms and other drugs.

Health Minister Leo Varadkar indicated that he wants to liberalise aspects of the laws on drugs.

The Dáil and Seanad passed the emergency legislation after a landmark court ruling this week found a key drug law was unconstitutional. The president signed the emergency measure into law yesterday.