Fianna Fáil considering ‘delayed criminalisation’ of drug users

Fianna Fáil is considering proposals to reform drugs laws so that people caught with small amounts of illegal drugs may be able to receive treatment in lieu of criminal prosecution.

A document authored by the party’s drugs spokesperson, Jack Chambers, says the move would reduce the number of people in court over small amounts of illegal drugs.

The document was seen by The Herald.

In it, Mr Chambers writes: “We should also explore the introduction of a delayed criminalisation model where drug offences, currently defined for personal usage, are directed towards proper treatment and intervention services so healthcare is prioritised over a criminal justice and prison process that only reinforces addiction and deprivation.

“It is important that this model would be properly codified, constructed and formalised to ensure that people with drug addiction are given the opportunity and chance to overcome addiction.”

The paper also says that “people need to realise that every joint that is rolled, line of cocaine that is snorted and pill swallowed in a nightclub puts money directly into the pockets of criminals”.

Last year, the Oireachtas justice committee recommended the effective decriminalisation of drug possession for personal use.

Under the committee’s recommendations, the possession of drugs would remain an offence, but would be considered an administrative offence and gardaí would have the discretion to direct offenders to health services or to the courts.

The approach is similar to that taken since 2001 in Portugal, where three committee members and its chair travelled in June to collect first-hand evidence.