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To: Taoiseach
Health Not Handcuffs: Decriminalise Drug Use Now
Dear Taoiseach,
I am writing to urge you to take urgent action on drug policy reform by implementing drug decriminalisation in Ireland.
Criminalisation harms individuals, families, and communities — it pushes people away from the help they need and traps them in cycles of harm. The 2024 Citizens’ Assembly recommended decriminalisation as a humane, evidence-based solution. Countries like Portugal have shown this approach reduces overdoses, infections, and crime, while saving public resources.
We ask that you prioritise health over punishment by ending the criminalisation of drug possession, investing in health and social supports, and listening to the voices of those most affected. Ireland cannot afford to wait any longer. Lives depend on it.
Yours sincerely,
UISCE
National Advocacy Service for People Who Use Drugs
UISCE
National Advocacy Service for People Who Use Drugs
Why is this important?
Ireland is facing a drug-related crisis — not just in terms of health outcomes, but in how we respond to people who use drugs. Right now, our system prioritises punishment over care. Instead of support, people are criminalised, stigmatised, and pushed further into harm. Decriminalisation is not a radical idea — it’s a proven, humane, and evidence-based solution that would save lives and rebuild communities.
Criminalisation causes deep and lasting harm. When someone is arrested or prosecuted for drug possession, the consequences go far beyond the courtroom. People can lose their homes, jobs, education opportunities, and even custody of their children. Families are torn apart. Young people are labelled as criminals before they ever get a chance. Fear of arrest means people are less likely to seek help when they need it — whether that’s during an overdose, a mental health crisis, or when they’re ready to access treatment.
At the same time, criminalisation wastes valuable public resources. Our courts and police are overwhelmed with low-level drug offences that do nothing to improve community safety or reduce drug use. The time, energy and funding spent on punishing people could be better used on health services, harm reduction, housing, and prevention.
We also know there’s a better way. Countries that have decriminalised drug use have seen clear improvements: fewer deaths, less stigma, more people accessing support, and safer communities overall. Decriminalisation isn’t about encouraging drug use — it’s about treating it as a health issue. People who use drugs deserve dignity, safety and care, not a criminal record.
Most importantly, the Irish public has already made its voice heard. The Citizens’ Assembly on Drug Use recommended a health-led approach and an end to criminalising people for personal possession. But despite this, the government continues to delay action — and that delay is costing lives.
That’s why we’re launching this campaign. It’s time to listen to the evidence, to centre the voices of people most affected, and to push for a system built on compassion and justice. We need a system that prioritises health, not handcuffs. The longer we wait, the more people are harmed. It’s time to act — because every life matters, and every person deserves support, not punishment.