<p>
	People caught with a small amount of drugs may be able to avoid criminal prosecution in certain cases under a new policy agreed by Fianna Fail.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	The party has endorsed a strategy that would see the introduction of a &#39;delayed criminalisation model&#39; whereby those caught in possession of drugs could receive treatment or other services in lieu of prosecution.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Spearheaded</p>
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	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	The plan, which is being spearheaded by the party&#39;s drugs spokesperson, Jack Chambers, is aimed at reducing the number of cases where people caught with a small amount of drugs end up in prison.</p>
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	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Mr Chambers has also secured support for a proposal which would allow GPs to prescribe &#39;opiate substitutes&#39; such as methadone and Suboxone in a bid to move away from methadone clinics.</p>
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	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	The document, seen by the Herald, has been sent as part of the National Drugs Strategy. Other measures include:</p>
<p>
	- The roll-out on a pilot basis of &#39;therapeutic communities&#39; within prisons.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	- Bringing alcohol into any future overall drugs strategy.</p>
<p>
	- Targeted interventions in schools by law enforcement agencies and former drug users.</p>
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	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	- The development of a &#39;drug-related intimidation&#39; strategy to support families and others impacted by drug debt and intimidation.</p>
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	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	The most controversial proposal is the relaxing of the law in relation to possession. But Mr Chambers, a Dublin West TD, insisted that any such move must be carefully worked out.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	&quot;We should also explore the introduction of a delayed criminalisation model where drug offences, currently defined for personal usage, are directed towards proper treatment and intervention services so healthcare is prioritised over a criminal justice and prison process that only reinforces addiction and deprivation,&quot; the document states.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Criminals</p>
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	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	&quot;It is important that this model would be properly codified, constructed and formalised to ensure that people with drug addiction are given the opportunity and chance to overcome addiction.&quot;</p>
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	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	The submission also says that &quot;people need to realise that every joint that is rolled, line of cocaine that is snorted and pill swallowed in a nightclub puts money directly into the pockets of criminals&quot;.</p>
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	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	(Published by the Irish Independent on the 20th October 2016)</p>
<p>
	<a href="http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/politics/fianna-fil-policy-aims-to-relax-law-for-smalltime-drug-use-35146025.html">http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/politics/fianna-fil-policy-aims-to-relax-law-for-smalltime-drug-use-35146025.html</a></p>
