Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 April 2024
611. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health for an update on Ireland's drug policy following the Citizens' Assembly on Drugs; the next steps following the recommendations from the Citizens' Assembly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19307/24]
View answerThe Citizens’ Assembly on Drugs Use was established by Dáil Éireann and Seanad Éireann in February 2023. The Assembly, which met on six occasions between April and October 2023, published its report in January of this year.
The report of Citizens' Assembly on Drugs Use has made 36 recommendations, which span a wide range of issues related to drug use in Ireland. The potential policy and legislative implications of the recommendations could have a significant impact on the health, criminal justice and education sectors in particular, as well as other sectors.
A Special Committee of Dáil Éireann and Seanad Éireann, the Joint Committee on Drugs Use, has been established to discuss the report of the Citizen Assembly on Drug Use and its recommendations.
Following the conclusion of the work of the Joint Committee on Drugs Use, the Taoiseach and I will set out the Government's response to the recommendations of the Citizens’ Assembly on Drugs Use.
I am committed to a health-led approach to drug use, and the report of the Citizens Assembly will inform the further development of this approach, including the next national drugs strategy.
