Decriminalising drugs will be the main topic of discussion at a public meeting in Waterford today.
People Before Profit will host a Public Meeting in St Patrick’s Gateway Centre at 7.30pm on 30 March TD, to be addressed by Gino Kenny TD.
It comes as a Citizens' Assembly on drug use was approved earlier this year.
People Before Profit TD, Gino Kenny, says there's a strong argument to be made for a change in approach to drugs in Ireland.
"Criminalising people via the criminal justice system or criminalising them through court orders hasn't been a deterrant. Drugs are a reality and people will use them whether they are legal are not."
The big debate, he feels is whether we should have a different model in Ireland for dealing with drug use.
Ultimately, he says :"I believe we should."
People Before Profit proposes a new system based on treatment of addiction rather than stigmatising and criminalising those who are addicted.
Their policies call for the expansion of safe injection sites and other treatment facilities. In addition is their call for the legalisation of cannabis, through a State-run programme to provide people with safe, non-corporate access to cannabis.
The party says: "Decriminalising drugs is a vital step to dealing with addiction as a health issue, and ending the State sponsored campaign against working class communities who are disproportionately affected by current policies."
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