An Oireachtas committee has recommended the decriminalization and regulation of drugs for personal use “in line with emerging international best-practice”.
The Joint Judiciary Committee released a report looking into the matter and said it recognized the harm involved in “pursuing a criminal justice-led approach to drug use and misuse”, reports RTE.
In a statement, the committee said it “that a policy of decriminalisation is pursued, in line with emerging international best-practice, in respect of the possession of drugs for personal consumption”, reports RTE.
Cultivation of some currently illegal substances at “modest, not-for-profit levels” should also be looked at and could be regulated, the committee said.
It also recommended that the government take steps to introduce a regulatory model for some medicines.
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Regarding access to cannabis for people with chronic illnesses whose symptoms have not been alleviated by other treatments, the committee recommended expanding the medical cannabis access program.
The committee also noted the roles that poverty, inequality and trauma can play in drug use and addiction, and recommended a “trauma-informed approach” to addiction services. He said more investment should also be made in programs and services focused on harm reduction, social interventions and dual diagnostic services.
The committee also recommended an awareness campaign on drug use and harm reduction.
A pilot drug testing program first tried out at this year’s Electric Picnic Festival is also set to expand, the committee said.
A copy of the report containing the recommendations has been sent to the Minister of Justice.
Chair of the committee, TD James Lawless, said the committee “recognised the ongoing and significant problems with drug addiction in Ireland and the tragic impact this has on societies, communities and families. The committee heard figures during its public engagement that the rate of drug deaths in Ireland ranks at three times the European average and that these figures are among the highest within the EU. The written submissions received and, at our meetings, the witnesses provided the committee with an insight into several areas where it was felt that Ireland’s approach towards drug policies could be re-examined,” reports RTE.
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