Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 and 2 together.

The programme for Government commits to establishing four citizens' assemblies, on the topics of biodiversity loss, the type of directly elected mayor and local government structures best suited for Dublin, drug use and the future of education. The Citizens' Assembly on Biodiversity Loss and the Dublin Citizens' Assembly on local government were formally established in February 2022, began their meetings in April and are on schedule to complete their work and submit their reports by the end of this year, in line with the timelines set out by the Oireachtas. The Government is committed to establishing the next citizens' assemblies, on drug use and the future of education, at the earliest opportunity following the completion of the assemblies currently under way. The timelines and terms of reference for the next assemblies will ultimately be determined by the Oireachtas. It is a matter for the House to agree. It is anticipated that we in the Government will consider the matter early in the new year, following which motions will be put before Dáil and Seanad Éireann for debate, setting out timelines and terms of reference for the new assemblies.

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