National Drugs Strategy Comes Under Review

The government says Portugal’s move to decriminalise drugs "isn’t compatible" with Ireland’s legal system.

It comes amid claims the government is still pursuing a failed "war on drugs".

Time and again, Portugal’s approach to drugs has been held up as the gold standard for Ireland to follow.

The country decriminalised all drugs in 2001, meaning those caught with small amounts of narcotics for personal use aren’t prosecuted.

Since then overdoses, HIV infection and drug-related crime have all fallen dramatically.

This led to claims Ireland is still pursuing a war on drugs policy.

The government expects to set up a citizens assembly on drugs in the near future, which could overhaul Ireland’s approach to treating addiction.