Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. The Government is committed to establishing a citizens' assembly on drug use at the earliest opportunity in 2023 along with a citizens' assembly on the future of education. The terms of reference and the timelines for the citizens' assembly on drug use will be presented to the Oireachtas for approval.

I am very positive about the potential contribution of the assembly to the Government's health-led response to drug use and the strategic priorities for the remaining period of the national drugs strategy to 2025. Drug use affects all members of society, whether directly or indirectly so involving citizens in decision-making on drugs policy is, therefore, appropriate. I acknowledge the interest in the assembly among politicians of all parties and civil society organisations.

The Department of Health has commenced preparations for the citizens' assembly on drug use, in conjunction with the Department of the Taoiseach, so that there will be no delay in establishing the assembly in early 2023. I am keen that the voices of young people are included in the citizens assembly on drug use. The Departments of Health, and Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth have held a consultation with young people on how drug use impacts on them. The findings will be shared with the citizens' assembly when established. I would also like to see an international component to the assembly to facilitate learning from the British Ireland Council work sector on drugs, which I chair, the EU drugs strategy and action plan and the Council of Europe Pompidou group on drugs and addictions. The good news is that the citizens' assembly work has started and, hopefully, it will take place early in 2023.

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