Funding to residential drug treatment should increase as alternative to custody, says assembly
Citizens’ Assembly on drug use recommends end to State’s criminal justice approach to people possessing drugs for personal use
Sunday, October 22, 2023
The Government of Ireland should increase funding to residential drug treatment facilities to provide an alternative to custodial sentences for convicted people dealing with problematic drug use, a Citizens’ Assembly has said. Some 85 per cent of members opposed retaining the current criminal justice approach to personal drug possession, instead calling for a health-led approach to illegal drug use. The citizens voted by 39 to 38 for a comprehensive health-led strategy, rather than legalisation of cannabis. The assembly has been meeting since April to consider changes to drug policy, with a final report now to be prepared on its recommendations and sent to Government. (See also: Citizens' Assembly on Drugs ends in disarray)