Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputies for their thoughtful and constructive statements in support of the motion before the House. It is clear from the statements over the past hour or so that there is widespread support in Dáil Éireann for a citizens' assembly on drugs use. There is also a clear sense of the urgency of the task.

As I said in my opening remarks, this country has seen too much pain and suffering caused by drugs use. Too many families have lost loved ones through overdose. Too many lives have been ruined by addiction. Too many communities have been living in fear of the criminal gangs who supply drugs in towns and villages throughout the country. As this debate has once again demonstrated, the challenges arising from drug use are complex and multifaceted. While we know there are no easy answers, there is a clear sense in this House and beyond that the time has come for bold action and new solutions. This is why the decision to establish a citizens' assembly to look at the issues is so timely.

Citizens' assemblies serve to enhance the quality of Ireland's democratic system. Previous assemblies have shown that members of the public have an important contribution to make in addressing complex societal challenges. I expect the citizens' assembly on drugs use will be no different in this regard.

In their statements, Deputies have identified a range of priorities they think the citizens' assembly on drugs use should address. A number of amendments have been tabled that seek to nuance the terms of reference or explicitly itemise various things Deputies believe the citizens' assembly should look at. I fully appreciate the intent behind these proposed amendments. Every Deputy who has spoken has a keen interest in ensuring the citizens' assembly does not overlook or neglect important issues. All parties are looking for the same outcome, which is a comprehensive, careful and considered process in which the citizens' assembly looks at all issues mentioned by the Deputies today. Experience shows us that we should not be overly prescriptive or too detailed in the terms of reference. We must trust the process and the members of the citizens' assembly. Let us consider that Ireland's citizens' assembly model is regarded internationally as a leading exemplar of deliberative democracy in action. Citizens' assemblies have become a valuable part of Ireland's democratic system.

Recommendations from a citizens' assembly can have a considerable influence on changes to policy, legislation and even the Constitution. They also have a significant role in informing wider public debate on important topics. Previous assemblies have made recommendations on topics such as marriage equality, repeal of the eighth amendment, gender equality, climate change and biodiversity. We must continue to learn from experience and build on what has worked successfully in the past. This principle applies, in particular, to the framing of the terms of reference. We know from experience that an overly detailed terms of reference can inadvertently inhibit the autonomy, discretion and flexibility necessary for the citizens' assembly to define and organise its work programme as it deems appropriate. Experience with citizens' assemblies has proven time and again that the Oireachtas can trust and, indeed, must trust both the process and the members of the assembly.

The importance of the voice of young people was raised earlier. I reassure Deputies that the voice of young people will be heard at the citizens' assembly. To this end, I have initiated a consultation with young people through Comhairle na nÓg and youth drug projects throughout the country, which will be presented to the citizens' assembly for its consideration.

On the selection of members of the citizens' assembly, there is now a new and improved method to randomly select members. People are not handpicked. There is no guarantee that every county will have a person on the citizens' assembly, but there is a guarantee that the final 99 members will correspond with the population profile by region, age group and gender.

I am satisfied the terms of reference as set out in the motion gives the citizens' assembly the scope and flexibility it needs to consider all relevant matters relating to drugs use. This includes each and every issue Deputies have emphasised today.

The citizens' assembly secretariat will be fully apprised of this debate and will be cognisant of the concerns and priorities Deputies have highlighted. Ultimately, it will be up to the members of the citizens' assembly to determine their own work programme. Once we are clear that the terms of reference are sufficiently well defined to allow for the assembly to examine the issues, we will need to step back, respect the independence of the process, and allow the members the space and freedom to get on with the task in hand. In due course, the assembly will report back to the Oireachtas, at which point the appropriate committee will have the opportunity to consider, debate and respond to the report and its recommendations.

Meanwhile, I am pleased to confirm that the assembly will be up and running in a few short weeks. Recruitment of members will begin in the coming days, and the first meeting of the assembly will take place in mid-April. All going according to schedule, the assembly is due to report back to the Oireachtas by the end of this year. I wish the citizens' assembly every success in its work and I look forward to seeing the outcome of its deliberations in due course.

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