Minister considers Portuguese drugs strategy

DECRIMINALISATION of drug use in Portugal has not made the country a “paradise” for users or resulted in more children taking drugs, according to the country’s drugs chief.

Dr Joao Goulao said the policy was part of a comprehensive strategy which has led to reduced drug consumption among adolescents, falling heroin use and a reduced burden on the criminal justice system.

Junior Health Minister Roisin Shortall, who is in charge of Ireland’s drugs strategy, said she had an “open mind” in relation to Portugal’s model. She said she was “particularly interested” in the country’s “yellow card” system, which warned users about their behaviour and tried to steer them away from drugs.