In a major initiative which will hopefully impact at official level, over 30 NGOs and charities have written an open letter calling for the Government to appoint a Minister for Drugs.

The letter is obviously very carefully worded to gain the support of all – or at least most of – of the significant stake-holders. However, it is made clear nonetheless that there is a consensus that the prohibitionist approach – characterised in the phrase originally coined by disgraced US President Richard Nixon, “The War on Drugs" – has not worked, and that a change is now required.

"Currently drugs are dealt with through the criminal justice system,” the letter states.

"...In many ways the current approach has not deterred drug use,” it continues, "but it has deterred people from seeking help by stigmatising people who use drugs in the criminal justice system. With an average of one drug overdose every day in Ireland, we believe the topic should be dealt with in a holistic approach that includes public health, education, prevention and harm reduction in coordination with the authorities.”

In the previous government, Labour TD Aodhan Ó Riordáin had been Minister for Drugs – and there was a hugely positive feeling on the ground about a range of innovations which he was in the process of activating. Ó Riordain lost his seat by a whisker in the recent general election, though he was subsequently elected to the Seanad. While his loss has been acute, the organisations behind the letter nevertheless see some cause for hope in the new programme for government…

The letter adds: "We welcome in particular the commitment made in the new Programme of Government to implement a health-based approach rather than a criminal justice approach. Only under the supervision of a Minister can such reforms be effective."

However, ultimately it is only Enda Kenny pictured) who can insure that the brief is given to a specific minister – and so it looks like this call has to end up on his desk.

The full text of the open letter is here, along with details of all of the signatories.

OPEN LETTER TO THE GOVERNMENT ON DRUGS POLICY
As drugs impact the lives of more and more people in this country, we the undersigned are calling for a comprehensive drug policy to be at the front and centre of the new government. A lack of action will only lead to further preventable deaths and therefore we call for the retention of a Minister for Drugs Strategy.

Currently drugs are dealt with through the criminal justice system and what has been a legitimate attempt at reducing the supply of drugs, has unfortunately not worked. In many ways the current approach has not deterred drug use but it has deterred people from seeking help by stigmatising people who use drugs in the criminal justice system. With an average of one drug overdose every day in Ireland, we believe the topic should be dealt with in a holistic approach that includes public health, education, prevention and harm reduction in coordination with the authorities. We welcome in particular the commitment made in the new Programme of Government to implement a health-based approach rather than a criminal justice approach. Only under the supervision of a Minister can such reforms be effective.

82% of 3rd level students in Ireland have tried drugs in their lifetime. Despite more than forty-years of criminalising the user, drugs have never been more in demand, as cheap and widely available. It is clear that a pragmatic approach is required in order to reduce the harm to society. Saving lives and reducing the harms of drugs is the priority and we believe a designated Minister for Drugs Strategy can help.

Signed,

Help Not Harm
Citywide Drugs Crisis
HIV Ireland
Irish Needle Exchange Forum
Dublin North East Drugs and Alcohol Task Force
The Irish Association of Social Workers
Students for Sensible Drug Policy
BeLongTO
Youth RISE
Fr. Peter McVerry
RADE Recovery through Art, Drama & Education
Clondalkin Tus Nua
South East Region, Family Support Network
St. Dominics Community Response Project Tallaght
Pavee Point Traveller & Roma Centre
North East Inner City Community Policing Forum
ADAPT “Addressing Drug & Alcohol Problems Together”
FAST Finglas Addiction Support Team
DAISH Project
Bray Travellers CDG
TRP Community Drugs and Alcohol Rehabilitation Services
Liberties Recycling Training and Development
Community Response
Addiction Response Crumlin (ARC)
NORML
The Psychedelic Society of Ireland
DCU Urban Artz
SWAM Youth Services
DCU Students for Sustainability in Human Lifestyles
Students for Sensible Drug Policy UK
People Before Profit