People 'snorting coke and taking pills are supporting violence and murder' - Minister Harris

Minister for Justice Simon Harris has told the Dáil he is concerned about the growing acceptance of drug use in the country, which is in turn supporting the violence and murder carried out by criminals. 

People who use drugs need to be aware that it is not a victimless crime, Minister Harris said.

"There is a direct link between snorting a line, or taking a pill, and murder, assault, criminality and misery," he said.

The minister made it clear that he was not talking about drug addiction, and the pain and misery which it causes. 

However, Minister Harris said he is concerned at the growing social acceptance of drug taking.

"What I am talking about is the increasing prevalence, and often visibility, of drug taking as part of a night out in Ireland.

"Any conversation we have about this kind of drug use cannot ignore this reality," he said.

He said that "drug use on a Friday or Saturday night is supporting violence, crime and murders the next week".

"We need to talk about the increasing prevalence of drug taking as part of a night out in Ireland."

Minister for Justice Simon Harris has said people who use drugs need to be aware that it is not a victimless crime | https://t.co/WPVXqXMTdT pic.twitter.com/MEnlCXwkJ7

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"You are helping to line the pockets of criminals who are inflicting misery and pain across our communities," he said.

"We need to get real about this, drug use is not victimless. The laws are clear and any night-time premises needs to be aware of the laws in this regard," Minister Harris said.