The joint committee on drugs use, which was established to examine and response to the 36 recommendations of the citizens’ assembly on drugs, yesterday published its interim report.

The committee was originally expected to work until January 2025, but may have to conclude its work prematurely if an early general election takes place.

Chairperson Gino Kenny said: “The committee has a remit to examine and respond to the 36 recommendations of the citizens’ assembly on drug use. The committee runs until January 2025. It’s unclear whether it will be able to do much further work on this fundamental topic.

“This is the reason for publishing an interim report now rather than lose the valuable work completed to date. The committee regrets that it is unlikely to complete its agreed plan of work and engage with other valuable contributors.”

He added: “The committee has given a reasoned response to each citizens’ assembly recommendation and agrees with all of the substantive recommendations

“This includes recommendation 17, which calls for the decriminalisation of all substances. The aim is not to criminalise possession but to move towards a health-led approach where options around treatment, if needed, can be explored.”

The committee held engagements with stakeholders in June, July, September and October of 2024 and has made 59 recommendations arising from these engagements.

Mr Kenny said: “There’s no excuse for a new government to say that issues around the decriminalisation of drugs for personal use haven’t been discussed properly. Both the citizens’ assembly and the Oireachtas joint committee on drugs use have looked at the issue in detail.

“There’s still a lot to look at of course, but between the work done by the committee and the citizens’ assembly, it’s clear that there is a consensus that criminalising and prosecuting the use of drugs for personal drug use is a waste of money and is very detrimental to anyone convicted.

“The committee is very clear that the supply and sale of drugs should remain illegal and recognises the huge damage done to individuals, families and communities by drugs and those who profit from them.

“The committee also made its own recommendations based on the evidence given by Irish medical practitioners, service use providers and users and national and international experts.

“The negative effects of drug use impacts all of society but disproportionately affects already disadvantaged groups and communities. It is time for a change in how drug use is treated in Ireland and the committee hopes its recommendations will help with this change.”