Committee recommends decriminalisation of all drugs for personal use
The Joint Committee on Drug Use have recommended the decriminalisation of possession of drugs for personal use.
This follows previous recommendations from the Citizens' Assembly on Drug Use, which pushed for a health-led approach when it came to personal use, rather than through the courts.
Those on the committee argue that the Misuse of Drugs Act should be repealed, with a growing amount of evidence against an increase in consumption if decriminalisation is implemented.
The committee’s main aim was to respond to recommendations made by the Citizens Assembly on Drug Use in 2024.
Members say that if decriminalisation is implemented, gardai should not be undermined in their investigations into organised crime, search powers, and sale and supply offences.
Chairperson of the Citizens' Assembly on Drug Use said: “ Drug use in Irish society is a wide-ranging, complex and multi-faceted issue. Unfortunately, political debate and media coverage far too often tend towards one-dimensional analysis and oversimplification of the issues.
“In contrast, the Citizens’ Assembly has given extensive time to delving into the complexities and nuances of drug use, examining the evidence and hearing different perspectives.”
Joint Committee on Drugs Use Chair Gary Gannon said: “The Committee has concluded that the personal possession of drugs for one’s own use should cease to be treated as a criminal matter and should instead be met with a health-led approach. This is not a marginal adjustment. It is a recognition that criminalising people for their own drug use has not reduced harm, and that a different approach is both possible and overdue.”
Leas-Chathaoirleach of the Committee, Senator Mary Fitzpatrick added: “ Over the past 20 years, the nature of drug use in Ireland has changed completely. Where once it was often associated with heroin use in disadvantaged and marginalised communities, today we are dealing with widespread polysubstance use. Cocaine, cannabis, prescription drugs and new substances are now present in every county – in villages, towns and cities alike.
“Addiction is no longer something that can be seen as affecting ‘other communities’. It is present across Irish society. We heard clearly about the impact of this. The human cost is felt by individuals and families dealing with addiction and loss. The social cost is seen in communities living with trauma, stigma and drug-related harm.
“The economic cost is also significant, with resources tied up in systems that are not delivering the outcomes we need. This evidence shows that a largely criminal justice-focused approach has not worked well enough. It has not reduced harm, it has not supported people early enough, and in some cases, it has added to stigma and exclusion.
“That is why this report is clear in its direction: Ireland must move to a health-led approach. This is about recognising drug use and addiction as a public health issue. It is about protecting young people, reducing risk and preventing harm, while making sure people can access the help they need when they need it.”