Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

16. To ask the Taoiseach the proposed running order of citizens' assemblies. [60892/22]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Programme for Government commits to establishing four Citizens’ Assemblies, on the topics of Biodiversity Loss; the type of directly elected mayor and local government structures best suited for Dublin; Matters Relating to Drugs Use; and the Future of Education.

The Dublin related Citizen’s Assembly has concluded its work, and submitted its report and recommendations to the Oireachtas in December, in line with the Assembly's Terms of Reference.

The Citizen’s Assembly on Biodiversity held its final meeting on 21 January 2023 and will submit its report and recommendations to the Oireachtas and Government as soon as possible.

Two further Citizens’ Assemblies are to be established, one on Matters Relating to Drugs Use and another on the Future of Education.

It will be a matter for the Oireachtas to agree the timeline and terms of reference for the next assemblies when they are proposed by the Government.

It is anticipated that the Government will very shortly discuss the question of the next Citizens’ Assembly, and will bring forward a motion on the question to the House in the coming weeks.