Health

Assembly chair recommends drugs diversion model

Paul Reid says laws in place must be acted on, even with new legislative proposals

Paul Reid, chair of the Citizens’ Assembly on Drugs Use: “We have to consider the range of options available to us and begin to shape what any potential changes to Ireland’s drugs laws will look like.” Picture: Fergal Phillips

A diversion model which would allow health interventions for people caught in possession of drugs needs to be implemented, the chair of the Citizens’ Assembly on Drugs Use has said.

Paul Reid said the while the assembly would make recommendations to potentially change drug laws in Ireland, legislation which has already been introduced needs to be acted on.

The assembly is holding its fourth meeting over the weekend, with a focus on the criminal justice ...