Mr. Tony Duffin:

The citizens’ assembly made a recommendation. My understanding of what it recommended was decriminalisation with diversion and dissuasion, similar to the Portuguese model. What people hear is “legalisation”, which is not the case. Drugs will remain illegal and it is a diversion. If you do not engage with the diversion, you can go to court. That is part of the dissuasion piece as well. Under the Portuguese model, you are assessed and there is an outcome from that assessment, which can be a small fine. If it is not problematic drug use, it is intervention, harm reduction intervention and advice. If it is problematic drug use, it is the offer of treatment and rehabilitation, or treatment. We are advocates of that model and I think Ireland would do well to have that model compared with what we have now. Sometimes people hear “diversion” and think people are getting off scot-free. That is not the case, however. The state still has a response to drug use, it is just not a criminal justice one. In other jurisdictions, people get the opportunity each and every time, and I think it is important that it is not-----