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This is a publication from Lasair Dhearg, of which more here, dating from 2023, which as its website notes is:
…a growing movement fighting for a 32 County Socialist Republic.
Formed from a small collective of community and political activists in 2017, our primary concern is the economic liberation of the Irish working class and the establishment of a Socialist Republic built upon the principles of the Proclamation of the Irish Republic of 1916 and the Democratic Programme of the first Dáil Éireann.
We believe that Irish sovereignty, equality for all and the economic liberation of the Irish people, can only become a reality upon the establishment of a People’s Republic where all power and economic control rests with the Irish people.
This document engages with drug policy.
Under the heading, ‘Position in relation to drugs and drug use’, it argues:
We believe that as long as capitalism persists in creating the socio-economic conditions which drive people to substance abuse, that it should be treated as a health issue, not a criminal one.
We believe that the decriminalisation of (currently prohibited) drugs will allow for individuals suffering from substance abuse to seek medical and psychological help, without fear of persecution or judgement.
We believe that poverty, a lack of provision of sufficient mental health services, and lack of adequate and/or stable housing, are just a few of the factors which can push individuals to self-medication.
We believe the answer to this problem ultimately lies in the eradication of the capitalist system which creates and perpetuates these socio-economic conditions, but also in social and legislative reform.
It continues:
Lasair Dhearg’s policy, ‘Drugs, Addiction & Decriminalisation’, is as much about removing the stigma of addiction as it is about dealing with the core societal issues, effects and outcomes of addiction from a community, legal and justice perspective.
The vast majority of people who use drugs are not addicted, they are individuals that live in and work in our communities. They are family members, parents, grandparents and more. They are people that contribute to our society, many in very positive ways.
If the majority of people who use any drug are not addicted, it tells us that we need to look beyond the substance itself. We need to understand the underlying causes of addiction.
Interestingly:
What is your position on your own members using drugs? Whilst this policy is intended to remove the stigma of drug addiction, we do not promote the use of drugs. We understand that, like all organisations, Lasair Dhearg is reflective of the society within which it exists. We urge caution to our members when it comes to drug use, and offer support to those dealing with addiction issues.
Ultimately the document proposes decriminalisation:
What is the difference between legalisation and decriminalisation?
Legalisation would see the legal permittance of all drug related activities – manufacturing, distribution, and usage. This would see both drug users, drug addicts and also drug dealers free of legal repercussions. The decriminalisation of drugs would instead remove criminal repercussions from users and addicts, but not dealers. The manufacturing and distribution of drugs would still be prohibited and incur criminal consequences, however the personal consumption of drugs (whilst still legally prohibited) would not incur criminal consequences – therefore allowing for the treatment of substance misuse as a health issue, and not a criminal issue.
The Cedar Lounge Revolution 