Ming: Cannabis Authority would answer to Dáil - unlike Nidge

Legalising cannabis would not be a radical move, Independent TD Luke 'Ming' Flanagan told the Dáil today.

The Roscommon Deputy has opened a two-day debate on whether the Government should legalise the drug for personal and medical use.

He has tabled his own Bill which would create a new authority to oversee the distribution of the drug in Ireland.

He sais the Government should legalise and regulate the drug instead of trying to stop its use.

"Under the Cannabis Regulation Bill 2013, the Cannabis Regulation Authority shall be accountable to Dáil select committees," he said.

"Compare that to now. Who is John Gilligan accountable to? Who is Nidge out of 'Love Hate' responsible to? He's certainly not responsible to Dáil select committees."

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— Luke 'Ming' Flanagan (@lukeming) November 5, 2013

[comment]Text of speech by Minister of State for Health Alex White[/comment]