Niall Ó Donnghaile (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire Stáit agus roimh an tairiscint atá os ár gcomhair inniu. We have already heard in the short time we have been debating this motion, just how multilayered and complex this issue can be. As complex as it can be there are some fundamentals too. Like other colleagues, I welcome the fact that as a society we are ready, willing and capable of debating this issue. It is necessary and timely. Some would say it is past time. Nevertheless, I welcome that this motion is before the House today and that the citizens' assembly will be established. Like Senator Clifford-Lee and other colleagues, I have listened to various podcasts and documentaries. I have listened to the experiences of people in my own community, whether that was in my role as a city councillor or subsequently as a Seanadóir. By no means do any of us have all the answers. That is why it is a real privilege, not so much to have the debate to express our broad views, but it is important we ensure that today, we are giving over this solemn and important responsibility to the citizens who will be selected. They will have a key role in informing the debate from a societal point of view but also subsequently informing whatever decision these Houses take in terms of legislating for this issue. My instinctive feeling, again like Senator Clifford-Lee, is that we need a broad healthcare and recovery approach.There are also harsh realities for communities suffering as a result of the drugs trade and the threats, intimidation and violence inflicted on them, which also need to be dealt with and inform this debate going forward. That is why the citizens' assembly is so important. It creates the space for a broad range of views.

The other consideration, about which I appeal to the Minister of State and his officials, is that like many issues, addiction, drug abuse, recovery and the more illicit side of the drugs trade do not recognise the Border. That has been said about many issues in this House. This issue should be considered in the context of the entire island in the citizens' assembly discussions and how that is handled going forward. The illicit movement of drugs and individuals happens across the entirety of the island. I am conscious that there are a range of important amendments to the motion and I do not want to get in the way of colleagues who wish to move and discuss them. I welcome this citizens' assembly. The citizens' assembly is a fantastic initiative. I wish there were more of them. I particularly want to see one on the issue of constitutional change and Irish unity.

We are ready for this discussion. People are up for it and they are capable of it. This is indicative of that. I wish the citizens' assembly and the citizens selected well. It is important work and it will not be easy. I look forward to Members availing of the informed, considered, mature and rational discussion and engagement they will have in forming a similar style of debate in these Houses and in the broader public discourse. Ultimately, people in our society are suffering and hurting. Some are in addiction and others are in recovery. We can all agree that what has been done up to this point has not worked, is not working and probably is not going to work. I welcome that we are going to have a discussion about this issue. I hope we can get to a position where we can ease the burden on communities, stop the suffering and pain many people have endured because of addiction and drug abuse and get to a point where there is a healthier and better-off Ireland as a result.