Citizens' Assembly to recommend a liberalisation of Irish drug laws

Following a meeting yesterday, Sunday October 1st, the Citizens' Assembly on Drug Use is set to call for a liberalisation of laws surrounding the possession of common illegal drugs — according to chairman Paul Reid.

Recommendations supporting decriminalisation, harm-reduction policies and the improvement of drugs education, are expected to emerge from the final weeks of consideration by assembly members this month.

The assembly's primary focus has been on three areas throughout — services, funding and legislation — with much media scrutiny being cast upon the question of whether drugs should be legalised or decriminalised.

It was possible members might favour liberalisation of some drugs but not others. “They might say decriminalise cannabis but don’t decriminalise heroin or cocaine, or decriminalise cocaine and cannabis. That’s a possibility," Reid clarified.

“There is a strong mood for change despite the best efforts of a lot of the statutory bodies,” Mr Reid, the former HSE chief executive, told The Irish Times. “No one feels the current status quo is sufficient. Something has to change. They feel criminalisation is harsh.”

Reid also expressed that there is a "lot of frustration" amongst members that legislative changes to a "health-led approach" to drug offences — which were approved by the government in 2019 — had not been implemented.

Following a collective 180 hours of discussion — encompassing all aspects of drugs in Ireland — the assembly's has been perhaps the most comprehensive assessment of drugs policy in Ireland. Sunday's discussions, saw presentations from academics and organisations working directly with people who use drugs, peer-led recovery, families, and young people.

Speakers also highlighted the intersectionality of addiction; emphasising that it is impossible to treat drug use "without [first] addressing wider social determinants around housing, health and education.”

The assembly considered the experiences of other countries with active liberalisation of drugs laws — with an emphasis on Portugal — which has decriminalized possession.

“Possession there is an administrative offence, like a parking fine. But they do have strong health-led diversion programmes, which you are required to do if you are caught in possession of drugs," Reid said.

“the jury is out” according to Reid, on whether Portugal has seen the benefits of drug liberalisation.

The assembly are set to reconvene at the end of next month, to draft a set of recommendations, considering specific policies and proposed reforms. Members will then vote to agree upon a comprehensive set of guidelines for the Irish government and the HSE.

Chair @paulreiddublin concludes this weekend’s proceedings at #CADrugsUse. Thank you to everyone who tuned in across today and yesterday. The Assembly returns for its final meeting on 21st and 22nd October. pic.twitter.com/M7PMMIomi0

— The Citizens' Assembly (@CitizAssembly) October 1, 2023

Speaking at the assembly, Reid concluded: “This has been a thorough process. All sides of the debate, many different viewpoints, and local, national and international perspectives have been shared."

"Members now have the chance to have their say, and I want to thank them for all their work and dedication to achieve a conclusion that will effect change.”

The Assembly will finalise its report and submit its recommendations to the Oireachtas by the end of this year...