Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
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338. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the steps being taken to implement the recommendations made in the report by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice on the sanctions for possession of drugs for personal use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7856/23]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the Department of Health leads on Government policy in the area of drugs, and this policy is guided by the national drugs and alcohol strategy "Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery - a health led response to drug and alcohol use in Ireland 2017-2025". This strategy represents a whole-of-Government response to drug and alcohol use in Ireland.

Implementation is led by my colleague, the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Hildegarde Naughton, and encompasses actions for all stakeholders, including An Garda Síochána and my Department.

The Misuse of Drugs Acts, under which the sanctions referred to rest, falls under the remit of the Minister for Health.

The Deputy may also wish to note that Minister Naughton received Government approval this week to establish a Citizens’ Assembly which will be asked to consider the legislative, policy and operational changes the State could make to significantly reduce the harmful impacts of illicit drugs on individuals, families, communities and wider society.

It is expected that the Assembly will begin its work in April.