Taoiseach: Addicts who fail to engage with supports should face the criminal justice system 

Simon Harris was responding to comments by a Fine Gael candidate during the Great Debate in Cork

Irish Examiner political editor Elaine Loughlin with Cork candidates during The Great Debate in association with the Irish Examiner and Cork Chamber at the Clayton Hotel, Cork, on Tuesday. Picture: Noel Sweeney

If a repeat offender living with drug addiction fails to engage with drug support services, they should be referred to the criminal justice system, the Taoiseach has said.

Simon Harris was responding to comments by Fine Gael councillor Shane O’Callaghan, a criminal law barrister, who said at the Irish Examiner's and Cork Chamber's general election debate that repeat offenders who do not engage with addiction services should spend time in jail.