Paul Murphy
The success of the newly-established Drugs Court which aims to divert young people away from drug abuse and criminality was highlighted by Judge Eirinn McKiernan when she introduced two graduates who had successfully completed courses to treat rather than punish drug-using offenders. Two graduates from the specialised court were present when the judge, officials from the Probation Service, Gardai and the Meath Community Drug and Alcohol Response gathered at Trim Courthouse to mark the success of the project. The Drug Treatment Court (DTC) was established in 2001 as a pilot programme to provide a court-supervised , rehabilitative alternative to prison for drug-addicted offenders.
The judge said that in a world where, unfortunately, drugs now had a multifaceted impact on society, acting as a driver of health crisis, a catalyst for social and economic disruption and immense personal suffering and emotional physical and financial devastation to spouses, children and families it was happening all too often that our young people were falling victim to drug addiction and ending up before the courts. Now, thankfully, as a result of the Drug Courts these people will get the support and help to overcome their addiction and get a second chance in life.
This was why the Drugs Court in Meath was such an essential and positive development for our community. She said that the project would not be possible without the “incredible input” from all the wonderful members of An Garda Siochana in Meath along with the staff in Trim Court Office and the diligent and hardworking staff in the Probation Service and the people from Mcdar who provided the necessary support and services that problem required during this difficult time in their lives.
The judge said it was not possible to run the Drugs Court project without Mcdar – they were the joining piece of the jigsaw. The organisation required going funding to continue with the provision of their inclusive services. She said that the particular day in court was a very special one as two young people who were present had graduated from the Drugs Court.
