# drug policy
Last month
April 2023
THE MORNING LEAD
Addiction experts, campaigners concerned over 'transparency' of new Citizens' Assembly
The intervention comes ahead of the Citizens’ Assembly for drugs getting underway this weekend.
This year
2023
# drug policy
Citizens' Assembly will examine State response to illegal drugs and report back by end of year
Cabinet this morning agreed to begin the Citizens’ Assembly on Drugs in April.
Voices
Opinion: Enough talk - we need to decriminalise the possession of drugs for personal use
Criminologist Dr Ian Marder proposes a paradigm shift away from criminalising drug use and towards a health-led approach.
Last year
2022
# drug policy
'No view' on cannabis legalisation, says Varadkar as Citizens' Assembly on drugs expected in 2023
He said that “the public are ahead of the politicians” on issues like drugs policy and abortion.
# drug policy
Legalisation and regulation of drugs like cannabis should be examined by Govt, TDs say
The Oireachtas Justice Committee has recommended a host of changes to Ireland’s drug policy.
# decriminalisation
Stigma around drug use preventing people from coming forward to access key supports
Tony Duffin, the CEO of the Ana Liffey Drug Project, said that there was a distinction between ‘drug use’ and ‘problematic drug use’
Voices
Gino Kenny: It's time to decriminalise the possession of cannabis for personal use
The People Before Profit TD says his bill will provide a stepping stone to a more progressive drugs policy in Ireland.
Voices
Lynn Ruane: A mature society accepts that drug use is normal and does not punish addiction
The independent senator says criminalising addiction is about intimidation – it’s society taking revenge and warning others of their fate.
Voices
Lynn Ruane: Global drug laws can be traced back to a small group of conserative American men
The independent senator looks back at the influence of powerful US politicians with racist agendas on global drug policies.
# Addiction
Nursing group invited to meet with Minister following its removal from national drug committee
Drugs minister Frank Feighan has invited the IntNSA to meet with him
All time
Voices
Simon Harris: Injecting centres do not legitimise drug use - if we're serious about tackling addiction we must establish one
The Minister for Health says that the government must and will shoulder its responsibilities in this area.
Voices
Lynn Ruane: Harm reduction should always come first with criminal drug policy
We should decriminalise possession of drugs for personal use, writes independent senator Lynn Ruane.
# top garda
Ex-Assistant Commissioner on drug debate: 'Our young people are criminalised, deprived of life chances'
After 40 years in the force, Jack Nolan said it would be difficult to claim there are less drugs available now.
# the volunteers
'Why would you continue to perpetuate something that is wrong?': New mural challenges Ireland's drug laws
A new piece of art went up in Trinity College this week.
# factcheck
FactCheck: Do supervised injection centres reduce drug-related deaths?
In the final instalment of our three-part series on drug policy, FactCheck examines a claim made by Dublin City Councillor Mannix Flynn on Tonight With Vincent Browne.
# factcheck
FactCheck: Do supervised injection centres reduce drug-related crime?
In Part Two of a three-part series, FactCheck looks into a claim by Dublin City Councillor Mannix Flynn, during a debate on Tonight With Vincent Browne.
# factcheck
FactCheck: How many detox beds are there in Ireland?
In three parts, FactCheck referees an argument between a Minister of State and a Dublin City Councillor over supervised injection centres. Tonight – Part One.
Voices
U-47700 death: 'As we pretend that policing drugs deters users, we can expect more harm, more deaths'
Our drug policy isn’t working and it’s time to embrace a more rational and open approach, writes Dr Garrett McGovern.
Voices
It's planned the first supervised injecting facility will open in 2017. So how did we get here?
People have reasonable fears about such centres – but those fears can be addressed, writes the Ana Liffey Drug Project’s Tony Duffin.
# Just say no
Vogue Williams will NOT be taking hallucinogenic drugs as part of RTÉ show
The presenter had said earlier this year that she would be doing so for her series On The Edge.
Voices
Criminalising possession doesn't discourage use - we need real solutions
Ultimately, drug policy is about two things – what works; and what is acceptable to people, writes Ana Liffey’s Tony Duffin.
# relaxation
Carrying drugs for personal use is illegal. But politicians are looking at changing that
The Portuguese approach could be considered here.
# Drugs
Regular marijuana use is "bad for teens' brains"
That is the opinion of the American Psychological Association.
Voices
Opinion: The 'War on Drugs' has failed – let's finally implement policies that make sense
Several drug-related deaths and hospitalisations this month demonstrate how our adherence to an overly-simplistic drug policy is misguided and dangerous.
Voices
Column: The war on drugs isn't working. We need to medicalise heroin.
Heroin addiction is behind much of the criminality in this country – and failing to do something about it will not make the problem go away, writes Senator John Crown.
