Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 1:

A.

To delete the following words "best practice in promoting and supporting rehabilitation and recovery from drug addiction;" and substitute the following: "— best practice in promoting and supporting people on rehabilitation and recovery journeys from drug addiction;" B.

To insert the following after "the efficacy of current strategic, policy and operational responses to drugs use;": "— the past, current and future role of Drug and Alcohol Task Forces and how this facilitates localised, community responses to addiction;".

I am actually sharing time with Deputy Ward.

I welcome the movement on this citizens' assembly motion. This is an issue I have raised numerous times. It is of the utmost importance that we see the assembly convene as soon as possible and operate efficiently. I acknowledge the Trojan work that has been done by stakeholders like CityWide and Members of the Houses in keeping the pressure on and getting the assembly to this stage.

Citizens' assemblies have presented the House with an opportunity to work together for our communities and to put politics aside. This has allowed for the improvement of society as a whole. We have seen the positive impact of citizens' assemblies on emotive and contentious issues. They highlight just how informed, engaged and diligent our citizens are. Addiction and drug use can be highly emotive topics, and for families and individuals affected by addiction, this assembly may be difficult. I want to know that their voices will be heard. I acknowledge and appreciate the Minister of State's comment that the voices of those families at the coalface and who have suffered the most will be heard.

With this in mind, I have tabled two amendments to the motion. They are not substantive, as I recognise the work that has gone into the terms of reference, but there is an opportunity to strengthen those terms. The first part of the amendment recognises that recovery is not simple. It is a journey, and one of the bravest journeys on which a person can embark. It is not linear and is often complex. It is a journey that requires support and involves many difficult choices and tough decisions.

I am proud to have published the only specific policy on recovery on this island. Included in that policy is a commitment to the right of those on a recovery journey to participate in decision-making. We must create the space for those in recovery to participate in this assembly. I welcome the inclusion of lived experience in the terms of reference. I urge the Minister of State to accept this amendment, which would further strengthen the space we are creating for people to expose their lived realities. Recovery is not easy. It is not a quick fix. However, it is worthwhile, and those on their recovery journeys have a great deal to teach us.

The second part of the amendment allows the citizens' assembly to explore the role of task forces and emphasises the importance of localised community-based approaches to addiction. We must recognise that the root cause of addiction is poverty and, in so doing, understand that tackling addiction means community-based initiatives that tackle poverty and recognise the harmful impacts of addiction. Groups at the coalface tell me that, when task forces were first introduced, they enabled communities to be involved in decision-making and to tackle the issues on the ground at local level. There is a concern, though. In recent years, it seems we have moved away from having task forces on the ground and listening to communities. We need community leaders. We need to move forward with a localised approach at the centre of our policy. I ask the Minister of State to consider this amendment.

I acknowledge the Social Democrats' amendment. While I do not necessarily agree with every line of it, I recognise the spirit of the amendment and we will support it.

This citizens' assembly will explore more than addiction and I welcome the conversations that will be had across the board. I hope these are constructive, respectful and dignified. I look forward to the recommendations of the assembly and the positive change we will see as a result.

The Minister of State spoke about those who had lost their lives to addiction and the families who had been destroyed by it. This citizens' assembly will give us an opportunity to listen to their stories. I hope the assembly will come forward with a report we can all support.

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