Max HeyraudTánaiste Micheál Martin has indicated support for decriminalisation of drugs, saying he backs calls from his own TDs for a health-led approach.
Two Fianna Fáil TDs have said the war on drugs is not working, and there must be a legalisation of drugs in this country. It comes ahead of the formation of a citizens assembly on the matter, which both Micheál Martin and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar have signalled, will happen this year.
A spokesperson for Mr Martin said “The Tánaiste supports a health-led approach to drug addiction and supports commitments in the programme for government to convene a Citizens’ Assembly on Drug Use, as well as examining approaches to identifying at-risk vulnerable groups to interrupt their potential trajectory into problem drug and alcohol misuse.”
One of the possibilities is an off-licence-style location where recreational users might get their preferred substance.
“Actually the way to have a healthy approach, the way you do that is you decriminalise the person, and not necessarily the substance.”