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

I thank the Senator. I am taking this Commencement matter on behalf of the Minister for Health, Deputy Stephen Donnelly. I welcome the opportunity to update the House regarding this topic. Senators will be aware that the Department of Health co-ordinates the implementation of the national drugs strategy, Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery, which is a health-led response to drugs and alcohol use. We have identified six strategic priorities for the remaining period up to 2025. These priorities reinforce the health-led approach to drug and alcohol use and capture the commitments in the programme for Government. Strategic implementation groups have identified actions to implement the priorities under auspices of the national oversight committee. The groups reflect the partnership approach and give a stronger voice to civil society in implementation of the strategy.

As Senators are aware, the programme for Government includes a commitment to convene a citizens' assembly to consider matters relating to drug use. The Government is committed to establishing the citizens' assembly on drug use, along with a citizens' assembly on the future of education, at the earliest opportunity in 2023 following the completion of the assemblies currently under way. The timelines and terms of reference for the next assemblies will be a matter for the Oireachtas to agree. It is anticipated that the Government will consider the matter early in the new ear, following which motions will be put before Dáil Éireann and Seanad Éireann for debate, setting out timelines and terms of reference for the new assemblies.

The Department of Health has commenced preparations for the citizens' assembly on drug use and discussions regarding the assembly have taken place at the national oversight committee for the national drug strategy. The Minister of State, Deputy Feighan, is positive about the potential contribution of the citizens' assembly to the Government's health-led response to drug use. Drug use affects all members of society, as the Senator said, whether directly or indirectly, and imposes a significant financial and social cost. Involving citizens in decision-making on drugs policy is therefore appropriate.

There are two issues in particular that the citizens' assembly on drug use could consider. The first is how to better meet the diverse health needs of people who use drugs, while the second is how to prevent the harmful impact of drugs on children, families and communities. It is important to have an international component to the citizens' assembly so there is an exchange of good practice from the British-Irish Council work sector on drugs and the EU drugs strategy and action plan, especially on alternative approaches to coercive sanctions. The voices and perspectives of young people on issues regarding drug policy should also inform the deliberation of the citizens' assembly on drug use. Officials from the Department of Health are engaging with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to undertake a consultation with young people.