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

I thank all the Senators for their thoughtful and constructive comments in support of the motion before the House. There is clearly widespread support in Seanad Éireann for a citizens' assembly on drugs use. There is also a clear sense of the urgency and recognition of the importance of the task. As public representatives, we all recognise that people in the communities we serve have experienced far too much pain and suffering due to the use of drugs. Too many families have lost loved ones to overdoses. Too many families have been ruined by addiction. Too many communities have been living in fear of the criminal gangs that supply drugs in towns and villages across the country. As this debate 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. That is why the decision to establish a citizens' assembly to look at the issues is so timely. The citizens' assembly serves to enhance the quality of Ireland's democratic system. Previous assemblies have shown members of the public have an important contribution to make to addressing these complex societal challenges. I expect the assembly on drugs use will be no different in that regard.

In their statements, Senators have identified a range of priorities they think the citizens' assembly on drugs use should address. A number of amendments have been tabled to nuance the language in, or substantively alter the focus of, the terms of reference. I fully appreciate the intent behind these amendments. Every speaker has taken a keen interest in ensuring the citizens' assembly does not overlook or neglect important issues.

On the involvement of members of local government, it is important all stakeholders have an opportunity to contribute and there are many other groups that work at the coalface and want to be involved. There are effective mechanisms to involve stakeholders, including councillors, in having input at the assembly. However, it is not in the interests of the citizen's assembly model to deconstruct what is a tried and proven model. Such assemblies have been successful precisely because they are made up of the public. An exception was made last year, as Senator Boyhan outlined, for the Dublin Citizens' Assembly that saw 12 councillors forming part of the 80-person assembly. This reflected the unique focus of that particular citizens' assembly. I assure the House there will be every opportunity for the views of councillors to be included as part of the deliberations. It is not sensible, however, to start reconfiguring the composition of the assembly to accommodate stakeholders. That would lead to every future assembly being configured in a different way. We should recall that our citizens' assembly model is regarded internationally as a leading exemplar of deliberative democracy in action. Citizens' assemblies have become a valuable part of our democratic system. Recommendations from previous assemblies have had considerable influence on policy, legislation and even the Constitution. They have also had a significant role in informing the wider public debate on important issues like marriage equality, repeal of the eighth amendment, gender equality, climate change and diversity.

The issue of supports for those on the assembly was raised. An honorarium is given to members of the assembly at the end of the process in recognition of the civic contribution they make to the process. There is also financial support available for people with childcare responsibilities or other caring responsibilities.

On hearing oral submissions, we can take these as video, audio or social media contributions. The citizens' assembly's terms of reference state it will be innovative in how it includes the voice, and listens to the lived experience, of individuals and families. It will include the voice and experience of those who are most vulnerable and marginalised. We know from past experience overly detailed terms of reference can inadvertently inhibit the autonomy, discretion and flexibility for the assembly to define and organise its work programme as it deems appropriate. Past experience has proven the Oireachtas can, and indeed must, trust both the process and members of the citizens' assembly.

I am satisfied the terms of reference as set out in this motion gives the assembly the scope and flexibility it needs to consider all relevant matters related to drug use. This includes each and every issue Members have emphasised in this debate. The citizens' assembly secretariat will be fully apprised of this debate and will be cognisant of the concerns and priorities highlighted by Senators. Ultimately, it will be up to the members of the citizens' assembly to determine their own work programme. Once we are clear the terms of reference are sufficiently well-defined to allow the assembly members to examine the issues, we then 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 committees will have the opportunity to debate and respond to the assembly recommendations.

I am pleased to confirm the assembly will be up and running in a few short weeks. Recruitment of the members will begin in the coming days and the first meeting of the assembly will take place in mid-April. Provided all goes according to schedule, the assembly is due to report back to the Oireachtas by the end of the year. I wish the citizens' assembly every success and I look forward to seeing the outcome of its deliberations. I thank Senators for their very important contributions.