Sir, – The Special Oireachtas Committee on Drugs Use met for the first time this week to assess the findings of the Citizens’ Assembly on Drugs Use, which recommended decriminalisation of drug use.
When you look closer at the proposal, it begins to fall apart.
Under the scheme, those possessing small amounts of drugs will still be breaking the law and are liable to stop and search from gardaí.
The only that changes is that everybody found with any illegal drug is diverted to HSE addiction services in order to evade sanctions.
Westmeath home on 48 acres with stunning lake and countryside views for €780,000
‘I want someone to take an actual stand on immigration’: How will TCD student debaters vote?
Spice Village takeaway review: Indian food in south Dublin that will keep you coming back
Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano set to show true boxing values at strange big-money event
The vast majority of those diverted will be cannabis users, as it is Ireland’s most widespread illicit drug. Most cannabis users are not suffering from addiction.
Already under-resourced and overburdened addiction services will become full of people who don’t need help, leaving those grappling a complex drug issue on an even longer waiting list.
This proposal lacks nuance, is too broad and will undoubtedly fail if it goes ahead in its current form. – Yours, etc,
RYAN McHALE,
Dublin 17.