Drug Treatment Courts should be used as alternative to prison nationwide, senator says

Eva Osborne

Drug Treatment Courts should be rolled out nationwide as an alternative to prison, a senator has said.

Fianna Fáil senator for Dublin Central, Mary Fitzpatrick, said it would reduce reoffending, tackle addiction, and save lives.

Roughly seven in 10 people in Irish prisons have an addiction problem, while around six in 10 people released from prison reoffend within three years, she said.

“This tells us something is not working. Prison will always have a place in our justice system. But for non-violent offending driven by addiction, it often does not work. It punishes the behaviour, but it rarely tackles the cause."

Fitzpatrick has called on the Government to commit to Drug Treatment Courts as a core sentencing option, backed by ring fenced funding, nationwide treatment, and a statutory footing.

The Drug Treatment Court on Green Street, Dublin 7, is a court supervised treatment programme designed to support those with drug dependency to address their addiction while remaining under the supervision of the court.

Participation is limited to those over 17 who have pleaded guilty to a non-violent offence before the Dublin District Court.

“The aim is to support people to become drug free and move into work, training or education. Where they succeed, the charges they entered the court with are struck out," Fitzpatrick said.

“This is not a soft option. It is structured, demanding and closely supervised.

“Participants are expected to engage fully with treatment, education and regular court review. If they do not, they still face prison.”

Alongside court supervision, the programme provides access to education and training supports, including QQI accredited courses at Levels 2 to 4, as well as a dedicated personal development programme focused on communication, wellbeing and addiction awareness.

On the impact in communities like Dublin Central, Senator Fitzpatrick said the approach helps break cycles of harm.

“The risk of relapse and overdose is at its highest after release from prison.

“The Drug Treatment Court keeps people engaged in treatment and under supervision. That reduces harm, supports recovery and in many cases prevents death.”

Senator Fitzpatrick said Government now needs to move to a nationwide rollout of the Drug Treatment Court.

“Access to the Drug Treatment Court cannot depend on postcode. If this model works, it should be available in every community.

“This is a practical, evidence based reform and it is one this Government can and should deliver.”