Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for giving a specific timeline. I take it the citizens' assembly on drugs will be up and running by the end of quarter 1 2023, which is welcome.I also welcome the suggested potential discussion points that will be in the terms of reference regarding the health implications of drugs on our citizens, and indeed, the implications of drugs on young people and children. They are certainly areas which should be examined by the citizens' assembly on drugs which is now anticipated to take place early in the new year. That is very welcome. I also encourage people with an interest who are watching in today to contact the Minister of Health and write to him with their views, ideas, and suggestions as to what the citizens' assembly should do because this will be a once in a generation opportunity for the people of Ireland to frame drugs policy going forward. That is something that is very welcome and I encourage all stakeholders and citizens to engage ahead of the drafting of the terms of reference. I look forward to debating the timelines, and indeed the terms of reference, in this House when they are published and when the motions are brought before us by Government. Again, I thank the Minister for providing a very specific timeline which is welcome because I know this issue is coming up in Dáil Éireann later on today - or certainly this week. I think we are in a position today in the Seanad to announce that this citizens' assembly will take place early in the new year.