The Government of Ireland should increase funding to residential drug treatment facilities to provide an alternative to custodial sentences for convicted people dealing with problematic drug use, a Citizens’ Assembly has said. Some 85 per cent of members opposed retaining the current criminal justice approach to personal drug possession, instead calling for a health-led approach to illegal drug use. The citizens voted by 39 to 38 for a comprehensive health-led strategy, rather than legalisation of cannabis. The assembly has been meeting since April to consider changes to drug policy, with a final report now to be prepared on its recommendations and sent to Government. (See also: Citizens' Assembly on Drugs ends in disarray)