New report examines alternatives to imprisonment for drug possession in Ireland

The Minister of State with a responsibility for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy Colm Burke has launched a report on alternative responses to drug possession and a "health-led approach to drug use."

The report was produced by a UK based charity,  Centre of Justice Innovation and was both commissioned and published by Strategic Implementation Group 5 (SIG-5), a subcommittee within the National Drugs Strategy structure with responsibility for implementing actions related to alternatives to correctional punishment for people who use drugs.

Today's report is based on a survey and interviews with practitioners or managers from a number of organisations with a role responding to drug use and has recognised a total of nine alternatives for people who are found in possession of controlled drugs meant for personal use.

Some of the initiatives included are the Garda Adult Caution Scheme (Caution / warning / no action), Diversionary measures (The Law Engagement and Assisted Recovery programme), the Dublin/Cork/Louth Drug Treatment Courts, and the Law Engagement and Assisted Recovery (LEAR) Programme.

In a statement that marked the release of the report, Minister of State for the National Drugs Strategy Colm Burke said that drug use is a “serious health issue with long-term implications not just for the person who uses illicit drugs, but for their family and the community around them."

“This report shows the enthusiasm for a health-led response, one which diverts people away from courts and prisons and instead towards effective programmes that support their rehabilitation and reduce their likelihood of reoffending," he said.

The statement further describes the report as reflecting "Ireland's move towards a health-led response to drug use, an approach also endorsed by the recent Citizens' Assembly on Drugs Use." and recognises that the report acknowledges other countries that have taken on correctional alternatives show evidence of "reducing drug use and lowering reoffending."

The independent chair of SIG-5, Tony Duffin, said about today's announcement, "This report not only maps the current landscape of alternatives to coercive sanctions in Ireland, it also highlights a growing willingness among practitioners to expand these options further.

"As our National Drug Strategy approaches its conclusion in 2025, I'm confident policymakers will carefully consider the insights provided here to ensure accessible, cost-effective and efficient alternatives to criminal penalties."

[New to the library] Drug use and current alternatives to coercive sanctions in Ireland https://t.co/vZ38kg2klZ pic.twitter.com/YVjCRVOfUz

— Drugs Library (@HRBdrugslibrary) July 2, 2024