Ireland needs a ‘health-led approach’ to drug decriminalization ahead of National Assembly, says Norton

The Secretary of State for the National Drug Strategy has said Ireland needs to “fundamentally” change its approach to how it deals with drug use.

“We’re getting a health-driven response, rather than people coming in and out of the criminal justice system because of addiction and drug use,” she said. Newstalk breakfast.

She said serious crimes must be dealt with through the criminal justice system when they are committed, but stressed there are people who move in and out of the court system and “don’t get the support they need”.

This comes as the Citizens’ Assembly’s final report and recommendations are due to be published today, setting out 36 different recommendations for changes to Ireland’s drug policy and looking forward to a “decriminalization model”.

“You have to figure out how many opportunities someone has. Even people who are addicted know that not everyone is always ready to ask for help at that point. I know,” she said.

“There will also be a discussion about people who use drugs recreationally on weekends and what measures we put in place there,” she said.

Minister Norton said he was in favor of a “health-led approach” and “diversionary programs” on whether illegal drugs should be decriminalized in the state as recommended by the report.

She stressed that this approach would see gardaí co-operating with the HSE.

“However, it is very different when someone is committing a serious crime or selling or supplying drugs and the rigor of the law must be applied,” she added.

Mr Norton said he would submit a memo to cabinet recommending the establishment of an Oireachtas committee to discuss the recommendations made by the Citizens’ Assembly on Drugs.

“They are complex. We need to continue this conversation about drug use across the country,” she added.