Ms Ruby Lawlor:

I thank the Deputy for the question. I did not produce this research myself. I recently became aware of it through the Youth Workers Against Prohibition organisation. The main point I was trying to make was to hone in on something Ireland is doing that benefits under-18s regarding drug policy, which is diversion. It evidences that if we do not put children through the criminal system and instead focuses on personal development, education and building bonds back with their family members, that increases their likelihood of staying away from criminal markets. However, the reason I said it only goes so far is that the criminal markets still exist. The pull of a criminal market, particularly in lower socioeconomic communities, is so strong when it is seen as, and often is, the most lucrative way to earn money. A lot of young people and children look up to the people in the communities and criminal gangs who have more money. As a child, you idolise. I am speaking from a children and youth perspective - it is important that it is not just decriminalisation we need. Decriminalisation is fantastic and is needed as a basis but even in a legalised and regulated market, if the decriminalisation has not been tackled, children and young people can still be faced with criminal sanctions, depending on the age set for the regulation. It is important to decriminalise first but to disrupt criminal gangs operating in these communities and make sure children are not coerced into these gangs, their power needs to be removed from them. Moving towards a regulated market is important to protect children and young people. The diversion scheme will only help so many young people, whereas many others who are caught, stopped and searched and repeatedly offend face serious implications for the rest of their lives and their ability to take part in society.