The members of the Citizens’ Assembly have overwhelmingly voted to recommend the end of the current laws criminalising people caught with illegal substances for personal use.
This means that instead of drug use being viewed as a criminal justice issue, it would be seen as a public health issue. Just 11 (17 per cent) of the 87 members voted in favour of retaining the current criminal approach to personal possession. Some 74 or 85 percent of members believe it should not be retained as it stands.
Those who would be found in possession of any kind of drug would not face criminal conviction or prison sentences, but instead be referred to engage voluntarily with health-led services. In relation to cannabis, almost half (36) voted for the legalisation and regulation of cannabis with 23 opting for a comprehensive health-led strategy and 10 for the status quo.
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Opinion on the legalisation of cannabis was evenly divided. On the final ballot, when all other options were eliminated, the citizens voted by 39 to 38 for a comprehensive health-led strategy over legalisation.
Other key recommendations include greater responsibility and accountability for drugs policy at national level through the establishment of a dedicated Cabinet Committee on Drugs to be chaired by the Taoiseach, and increased funding for drugs treatment services alongside a greater focus on education about drugs use and prevention measures. Concluding the work of the Assembly, Chair Paul Reid paid tribute to the work and dedication of all members and said they have made an important contribution to Irish life through their active participation in the Assembly process. He said it had been an honour and privilege to chair the Citizens’ Assembly on Drugs Use and said its recommendations have the potential to be transformative in the national approach to drugs use.
“This has been the most comprehensive, wide-ranging, and representative discussion on all aspects of drugs use and drugs policy that has ever taken place in Ireland,” said Mr Reid. “As the Assembly’s work developed it was clear there was a mood for change and this is represented in the recommendations that have been agreed, including significant changes to how we treat and deal with possession of drugs for personal use.
“It was also a much-needed and long-overdue national conversation. The Assembly has produced an Irish model of drugs laws designed in the context of the issues and challenges we face.
“We heard of the devastating impact that drugs use on individuals, their families, and communities, and we have heard the voices and stories of those who work at the forefront of drugs treatment, drugs services, and drugs prevention. We have heard arguments for a new and radical approach, and we heard calls for the maintenance of the status quo.
“Ultimately, it will be up to the Oireachtas to implement what the Assembly has called for. But if they do, this will not only change the national policy and approach, it will also change people’s lives. For the better."
The final report will be submitted to the Oireachtas by the end of this year and will also be presented to the Taoiseach by Mr Reid.
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