Cross-party politicians urge 'radical change' in drug policy
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A cross-party group of TDs and senators is calling for “radical change” in drug policy, following recommendations made by the Citizens’ Assembly that would see the decriminalisation of drug possession.
Over the weekend, the Citizens’ Assembly on Drug Use voted to recommend that Ireland move towards a “comprehensive health-led” approach, with a form of decriminalisation, to possession of drugs for personal use.
The vote on whether or not to regulate cannabis was “extremely tight”, with just one vote between legalisation (38 votes) and health-led (39 votes).
The assembly overwhelmingly voted to not retain the current status quo on drugs, with 85% voting in favour of change.
The assembly’s secretary, Cathal O’Regan, said it would be the responsibility of the Oireachtas to decide on what route to take, whether that is depenalisation [where there are no criminal penalties for possession] or complete decriminalisation.
In a statement on Monday evening, a group of TDs and senators, including politicians from Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, the Green Party, Labour, and People Before Profit, said that the decision by the Citizens’ Assembly “reinforces the case for radical change in Irish drug policy”.
“We urge the Oireachtas to assign the report, when published, to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice to allow them carry out detailed deliberation and to propose draft legislation,” the statement reads.
The statement is signed by Fianna Fáil TD Paul McAuliffe, Fine Gael senator Martin Conway, Green Party TD Neasa Hourigan, Independent senator Lynn Ruane, Labour TD Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, and People Before Profit TD Gino Kenny.
Assembly chairman Paul Reid said that the final report would be delivered to the Oireachtas before the end of the year, saying that “the ball will then be firmly in the court of the elected politicians”.