The Government and Garda need to completely rethink and liberalise their approach to the illicit drug trade because current practices are doing more harm than good, an expert report to be published today will recommend.
The Drug Policy Action Group (DPAG) - a coalition of leading academics and experts on addiction, social policy and public health - notes the Republic's drugs trade is worth €1 billion and that it is growing, despite claims from the authorities it is being tackled effectively.
"Pragmatism means facing the fact that the present criminal justice drug policy is not working," its report notes.
The DPAG believes the war on drugs is in large part being lost because senior Government officials, judges and gardaí at the coalface of the problem do not understand the issues.
It believes the vast majority of drug use is recreational and harmless. It says those convicted in relation to "less harmful" drug consumption should be allowed to pay fines in civil courts and escape criminal prosecution.
It also believes the Government should be minimising harm to chronic heroin addicts by providing them with clean needles and special injecting rooms.
"People continue to make the choice to use drugs and as far as possible these choices need to be legally controlled and medically supervised," the "Criminal Justice Drug Policy in Ireland" report states.
It believes the decision to pursue those involved in the cannabis trade with the same vigour as those involved in the heroin trade means "immense energy and resources" are being wasted on areas that pose "little or no harmful consequences".
The group wants to see the immediate introduction of a UK drugs classification system where "Class A" drugs such as heroin and cocaine are dealt with much more seriously than substances such as cannabis.
Among its other recommendations are:
Law Reform Commission should assist the Cabinet subcommittee on social inclusion in reviewing the drug-related legislative changes proposed.
A review should be conducted of the capacity of senior civil servants at assistant secretary and secretary general levels to lead a cohesive drugs strategy.
Garda recruits should be given training in harm reduction approaches to drug use.
Specialist training on the drugs problem should be provided to judges.
More substitute drugs, such as the heroin replacement drug methadone, should be made available.
It also recommends that criminal convictions of addicts in recovery should be expunged over time to enhance their prospects of gaining employment.
