Citizens' Assembly on drugs use
Deputy Gino Kenny argued the assembly showed the drug laws have failed and pressed for a health-led approach including decriminalisation. The Taoiseach said he had not yet read the report, would consider it when published, and would look forward to referring it to committees; Kenny confirmed he meant decriminalisation.
Over the weekend, the Citizens' Assembly on Drugs Use completed its work after six months. The clear message from the citizens' assembly is to end the status quo. As I said to the Taoiseach two weeks ago, we have had six decades of this that have failed. People have been criminalised. They have been brought through the criminal justice system and through the prison system. It just has not worked. Surely the Taoiseach will admit that the system we have now does not work. There is a clear message. There are 36 recommendations from the assembly. One of the main recommendations is to have a health-led approach via decriminalisation. In the time remaining of its term, will the Government legislate to implement the recommendations of the citizens' assembly?
Comment on this
I need to read the report. I have read the recommendations, but not the report. I do not think the report has even been written yet. Once the report is written, it will be submitted to the Government and the Oireachtas. I look forward to sitting down with the assembly's chairman, Paul Reid, and talking it through with him as I have done with other reports, including the recent ones on biodiversity and a directly elected mayor for Dublin. I look forward to having the report referred to the Oireachtas committees. As I understand it, the assembly has recommended a comprehensive health-led approach.
Comment on this
Decriminalisation.