Fianna Fáil vows to decriminalise possession of cannabis for personal use

Party's manifesto also includes promises to keep 9% Vat on energy, and to raise core welfare rates to €144

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin with candidates at the launch the party's general election manifesto at Smock Alley Theatre in Dublin ahead of the general election on November 29. Picture: Niall Carson/PA

Possession of cannabis for personal use will be decriminalised under a Fianna Fáil election pledge, which emphasises a switch towards educational treatment programmes.

The party’s manifesto promises to “decriminalise drug possession for personal use” as part of a “health-led response to addiction”, but it was immediately met with criticism from Fine Gael for not clearly distinguishing which drugs would be covered by the new approach.