Parties urged to back drug decriminalisation

The citizens' assembly recommended that drug possession remain illegal but that a policy of decriminalisation should be adopted for those caught in possession, along with diversion to health services.

A coalition of community drug projects has called on all political parties to commit to implementing the recommendations of the citizens’ assembly on drugs and the Oireachtas committee on drugs — including their calls to decriminalise the possession of drugs for personal use.

Citywide Drugs Crisis Campaign is also urging concentrated investment in the most disadvantaged of communities and in local drugs task forces.