A public consultation has been launched on the possession of illegal drugs for personal use.
The consultation seeks the views of the public on the effectiveness of the current law and on what alternatives could be considered. The purpose of this public consultation is to inform the deliberations of a Government Working Group set up to examine alternative approaches for personal possession of illegal drugs.
The Working Group was established under the new drug strategy ‘Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery’. The Working Group will make recommendations to Ministers for Health and Justice and Equality within 12 months.
Commenting on the public consultation, the Minister for Health Promotion and the National Drug Strategy Catherine Byrne TD, said “The Government has committed to supporting a health-led approach to drug use. I am very conscious that a criminal conviction for drug possession can have a long term negative effect on a person’s ability to work and travel. It can stigmatise a young person and prevent them from achieving their potential into the future. I encourage anybody with an interest in this issue to participate in the consultation. I am especially anxious to hear the views of young people and families who may be impacted by the current legislation. I am very much looking forward to receiving the recommendations of the Working Group later this year.”
Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan, Chairperson of the Working Group said, “Drug use is a societal issue which affects everybody. Therefore, it is very important that all members of society voice their opinions and concerns about this issue through the online consultation. Your views will inform the deliberations of the group”.
The consultation can be accessed via an online questionnaire at https://health.gov.ie/consultations It can be accessed on smartphone, tablet or computer and should take no more than 15 minutes to complete. The public consultation is open until June 30, 2018.
