Lynn Ruane (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I ask that we make representations to the Taoiseach and other Government members on the commitment in the programme for Government to re-establish the Joint Committee on Drugs Use. The committee did a huge body of work before it dissolved due to an election. We produced an interim report before we finished on 24 October 2024. All parties and none fully agreed to all the recommendations in the report. The point from which we are starting is a strong one and we should get that special committee going again. It has a timeline and an end. We can meet for another three months, as was meant to happen in the previous term following the citizens' assembly.

To put in context the urgency of making sure we follow through on the commitments made regarding the Joint Committee on Drugs Use, it is estimated that since the committee last met, on 24 October 2024, 234 people have died from overdoses. Since just before Christmas, at election time, another 234 deaths have been estimated due to overdose. We will find a number of reasons for that, one of which is access to Naloxone. This drug is still not available over the counter. It can be given through a nasal spray and is very simple to use. The issue does not need to be complicated.

The other reason is how quickly we can respond to contaminated drug use in the market. Often, when we report from communities when overdoses happen, it can take a while, due to the coroner's process and other matters, for the HSE to respond appropriately when a bad batch makes its way into communities.

I want to put front and centre the estimated 234 lives lost because they occurred in only a couple of months. I ask that we work together to ensure the committee is re-established as soon as possible.