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

There is an An Bord Pleanála appeal on the supervised injection facility in Merchants Quay. We hope it will be taken as quickly as possible. It is part of the overall national drug strategy. I am very fortunate as Minister of State to have the national drugs strategy to which there has been more than 20,000 submissions. It has had its mid-term review. That is about reducing harm and supporting recovery and is a health-led approach. The Department has commenced preparation for a citizens' assembly on drug use and discussions regarding the national oversight committee for the national drugs strategy.

Officials from the Department of Health have engaged with counterparts in the Department of Children, Equality, Diversity, Integration and Youth and are gathering the perspectives of young people on how drug use affects them, their families and communities. That will be provided to the citizens’ assembly on drug use. The programme for Government includes a commitment to convene a citizens’ assembly relating to drug use. A lot of work has gone on and I look forward to that citizens' assembly taking place early in the new year.

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