Interim report on drugs "positive to see progress on saving lives and reducing harm" - Senator O'Hara

Senator Mal O’Hara said “I am delighted to see this interim report. With an election due within weeks, this report gives a clear direction to any incoming Government on how to move to a health led approach which will save lives and reduce harm.

Mal continued “The work of the joint committee is to respond to the 36 recommendations made by the Citizens Assembly. The Committee held engagements with stakeholders in June, July, September, and October of 2024 which provided evidence from a broad perspective of voices and sectors of Irish society. Arising from these engagements, the Committee made 59 recommendations in its interim report. Some of which include repealing the Misuse of Drugs Act 1997, introducing a regulatory model for certain drugs and decriminalisation in relation to possession of all substances for personal use. 

These include:

• the stigmatisation of drug use and the shaming of drug users are a source of significant harm.

• the Committee recommends that steps are taken to introduce a regulatory model for certain drugs. The Committee recommends this should be considered with particular reference to Spain, Malta, and Germany in the development of an Irish not for profit regulated cannabis market.

• that Government introduce a health-led approach to the use and misuse of substances.

• the decriminalisation of the person in relation to the possession of all substances for personal use, in line with the recommendations of the Citizens’ Assembly - this highlights that the goal of drug policy should be to reduce harm and eliminate stigma, both, in large part, caused and exacerbated by the criminalisation of people who use drugs.

• Section 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1997 be repealed, to give effect to a comprehensive health led approach.

• the decriminalisation of possession for personal use should apply equally to all illicit drugs.

• people should be offered all supports and health resources that are required, but that no person should be criminalised for not availing of a supportive intervention.

• the importance of there being a strong, constructive working relationship between the community, voluntary and statutory services, and An Garda Síochána, to support the provision of compassionate and person-centred interventions where required, underpinned by a robust Memorandum of Understanding.

• local authorities and An Garda Síochana are supported and empowered in strongly discouraging and reducing consumption in public areas. This should be done in an appropriate and sensitive way which considers the complex inter-relationship between problematic use and extreme deprivation and homelessness.

• that specific trauma and harm reduction training be provided to An Garda Síochána and local authorities, to inform their work with individuals and communities affected by drug misuse and addiction.

• the development of clear guidelines for An Garda Síochána to operate within a decriminalised model

Senator O’Hara finished “It is positive to see this progress on saving lives and reducing harm. It is disappointing that despite Northern Ireland having a higher drug death rate than the Republic, and drug deaths almost tripling in the last decade, that the Executive Parties sit on their hands while vulnerable people die.”

ENDS 

Press enquiries - Mal O'Hara on 07540790663 

All-island rail review "A transformative vision for the Island of Ireland" - Senator O'Hara

Green Party NI leader, Senator Mal O'Hara

The long-awaited publication of the All-Island Rail Review has brought with it a transformative vision for the Island of Ireland. Nearly 700km of new rail infrastructure bringing another 700,00 people to within distance of a train station is an incredible prospect for everyone on the Island. Major Northern Irish towns like Strabane, Omagh and Dungannon are to be reconnected and on to the wider network. The islands major airports in Belfast, Dublin and Shannon will all be connected. This is a win for everyone on the island, for the people, for the planet and for businesses with 2011 projections estimating over £17Billion in economic benefits to the Island.

The leadership of Minister Eamon Ryan in spearheading this plan cannot be understated. Since 2020 he has put accessible, sustainable public transport at the centre of his programme. Shifting the dial to 2/3 of spending going to public transport rather than private car focused infrastructure is proving transformative. I sincerely hope the Northern Ireland Executive can also be as brave in prioritising rail transport over the coming years.

ENDS 

Press enquiries - Mal O'Hara on 07540790663 

Labour's first King's speech lacks ambition to be bold - Senator O'Hara

Green Party NI Leader Senator Mal is disappointed in lack of ambition in King’s speech.

Senator Mal O’Hara said “The Kings Speech sadly does not deliver the bold action we need to restore the NHS and public services or to tackle the climate and nature emergencies. It is welcome that Labour will scrap the Legacy Act which carries no support in Northern Ireland. There are welcome promises on rail, buses, worker rights and renewable energy but no commitment on votes at 16, or a bill to regulate artificial intelligence, nor a clear commitment to ban extraction. My 4 Green MP colleagues will keep the pressure on this Labour administration to be bolder.”

Senator O’Hara continued “It is welcome that the Prime Minister will meet with the Taoiseach today in an attempt to reset relationships after the disaster of Brexit and recent Tory administrations. Our stories are so interwoven across these islands that it is imperative that we have strong relationships.”

ENDS 

Press enquiries - Mal O'Hara on 07540790663