The new Minister for Drugs says drug addicts should be treated by the health system rather than as part of the criminal justice system.

Aodhán O’Ríordán, who was appointed to the role today, says the decriminalisation of some substances will be considered as part of the Misuse of Drugs Act, due before the Oireachtas this year.

The Labour TD doesn't specify which drugs would be considered, however he does stress the difference between decriminalisation and legalisation.

Minister O Riordan says the current system is not working, and ways to tackle the devastating effects of drug abuse need to be urgently examined

Speaking to Newstalk, Mr O’Ríordán said he believes Ireland should “Address this issue as a health issue rather than as a criminal justice issue.

“If there is somebody with a chronic addiction is it best that that person be treated as a patient as opposed to using the criminal justice system to deal with that person.

“I would be inclined to suggest that the health system is the best way to deal with that person but there’s a conversation to be had there ... I think it’s worthy to have that debate,” he added.