Overview
- A cross-party Joint Committee on Drugs Use published a report on Wednesday with about 161 recommendations that include decriminalising possession of all drugs for personal use.
- Senior ministers urged caution, with Tánaiste Simon Harris warning decriminalisation could normalise recreational use and Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan citing the British Columbia experience as a reason to study international evidence.
- Taoiseach Micheál Martin said the Government already follows a health-led approach and will examine the committee's recommendations rather than immediately amending the law.
- Committee chair Gary Gannon defended the recommendations as evidence-led and criticised remarks by some ministers as classist, highlighting a clear political divide over how to balance care for users with crime reduction.
- The Government will review the report ahead of a finalised National Drugs Strategy due next month, with possible effects on policing priorities, health services access for vulnerable people, and how organised crime is targeted.