Jun
29
2016
Misuse of Drugs Act Amendments
As a former addiction programme developer in west Dublin, I have a significant experience of and interest in drug policy and progressive drug policy reform. I support the decriminalisation of drugs and the treatment of addiction as a public health issue, rather that one of criminal justice. As a result, when the government tabled their amendments to the Misuse of Drugs Act in June, I was deeply concerned by the focus of the proposed changes on the further criminalisation of drug possession.
I submitted an amendment to the bill that would have shifted the focus from those suffering from addiction to those higher up in the illicit drug trade. While the amendments were eventually defeated by the government, they attracted support from a number of parties and independent senators, as well as generating a healthy and interesting debate on Irish drug policy. I’ll be working with stakeholders and other parliamentarians to produce a drug law reform bill in the new term that is progressive and recognises the complex nature of the Irish illicit drug trade and addiction.
The text of these amendments can be viewed here.
