Ireland’s Fianna Fáil Clarifies Stance on Drug Decriminalization: Focus on Cannabis, Excludes Hard Drugs

LOS ANGELES- Fianna Fáil has clarified its stance on drug decriminalization, specifying that its proposal to decriminalize possession for personal use applies exclusively to cannabis and excludes substances such as cocaine and heroin. This clarification follows the party’s general election manifesto commitment to adopt a health-led approach to drug addiction, emphasizing treatment and education over criminal penalties.

The party’s manifesto outlines plans to decriminalize drug possession for personal use and to introduce legislation mandating educational or treatment programs for individuals found in possession of illegal drugs. Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin stated that this approach reflects an understanding that a health-based model is more effective in addressing drug issues than a criminal justice-based model.

A party spokesperson further elaborated that Fianna Fáil intends to implement the Citizens’ Assembly on Drugs Use recommendation of a health-led response to drug possession, necessitating legislative changes. The spokesperson noted that the party will consider decriminalizing drugs such as cannabis, following models from countries like Malta, Spain, and Portugal, but will not extend this to drugs such as cocaine and heroin.

This policy direction aligns with the Citizens’ Assembly on Drug Use’s recommendation for a health-led approach to drug use, which includes a degree of decriminalization for the possession of drugs for personal use, favoring referrals to health services over criminal sanctions.

Fianna Fáil’s manifesto also includes a commitment to publish a formal national position on regulating cannabis use, indicating a comprehensive review of current drug policies.

This clarification comes amid broader discussions on drug policy reform in Ireland, with various stakeholders advocating for a shift towards health-centered approaches to address drug addiction and use.