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

“If you consistently break the law, disrupt city centres, refuse to engage with addiction services and the other available services, then you should spend some time in jail,” said Mr O’Callaghan.

The matter was the subject of further debate, with Social Democrats councillor Padraig Rice responding to Mr O'Callaghan that you can't police your way out of the problem.

"You need to tackle the problem at source. We need a safe injection facility, and you need to reduce homelessness," he said.

Labour councillor Laura Harmon said a healthcare-led approach to addiction issues is needed.

On Tuesday, Mr Harris said that the party’s position is that a person living with addiction should initially be referred to the health service but if the person chooses not to engage “that case should be referred to the criminal justice system and that can, obviously, have criminal justice consequences”.

Referring to an Irish Examiner story in which an addiction therapist warned that children as young as 13 are being offered free cocaine samples by dealers when they buy cannabis, Mr Harris warned against the “normalisation of drugs”.

Mr Harris reiterated his opposition to the decriminalisation of drugs, saying: “There is a very big difference between addiction — and we have always got to be humane and compassionate about that — and the more widespread normalisation of drugs. It runs completely counter to the approach we have taken on smoking and vaping.”

The Taoiseach said decriminalisation is not supported by An Garda Síochána or the majority of GPs. He said: 

The risk that there is around the normalisation of cannabis in terms of introducing people to stronger drugs and even more dangerous drugs.

“I think we need to be very careful.”

Mr Harris was speaking in Co Roscommon where he stated that he believes that what is happening in Gaza constitutes genocide.

“I have no difficulties using that word,” he said.

The statement was immediately followed with the caveat that it is up to a court to decide whether or not it is genocide.

If he is returned as Taoiseach following the election, Mr Harris said he would formally move to table proposals at the European Council around the Israel Association Agreement and put it to a vote. Mr Harris said: 

I have to be honest with the Irish people, I don’t expect that we would necessarily win, but I do want to take that discussion to the next level at the European Council.

Mr Harris said he has been working “closely” with the Spanish, Belgian, and Slovenian prime ministers, and they believe that the EU-Israel Association Agreement should be reviewed.

“I do believe that we cannot wait for consensus, and countries should actually have to show their citizens where they stand on this issue,” Mr Harris said, adding that the passing of the Occupied Territories Bill must be a priority of the next government.

He also addressed footage of the damp, cold, and leaking tents that international protection applicants are currently living in at Crooksling in Dublin.

Mr Harris said he was unhappy with the situation because there is “very clear protocols” as to what should happen at times of severe weather.

“At the Crooksling site, I know there is an ability to move people indoors albeit temporarily. I’m concerned that that didn’t happen,” he said.

“I have read the reasons or the explanation, and it is not good enough, in my view.”

The department informed Mr Harris that all those located at the site will be accommodated indoors on Tuesday night.