Government to set up citizens assembly on drugs use
Preparations for a citizens assembly on drug use have commenced with the intention of establishing it early next year.
The citizens assembly on drug use will commence in early 2023, following the conclusion of the contemporaneous citizens assemblies on biodiversity loss and on a directly elected Dublin mayor.
Minister of State for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy Frank Feighan said: "I expect the citizens assembly on drug use will commence early in 2023. I acknowledge there is some disappointment that it is not possible to commence this citizens assembly in 2022. However, I intend to commence preparations for the citizens assembly on drug use now, so that there will be no delay in establishing the citizens assembly at the start of 2023 and submitting its report in quarter 4, 2023. This will allow a period of over one year for the government to consider its recommendations."
The Minister continued: ‘Yesterday, I discussed preparations for a citizen’s assembly on drug use with the national oversight committee for the drugs strategy. The committee, which has representatives from statutory bodies, civil society and drug and alcohol task forces, as well as independent experts, will have an important input to the content of the citizens assembly. One recommendation from the meeting was to ensure people who use drugs are involved in the citizens assembly."
Minister Feighan said he was "very positive" about the potential contribution of the citizens assembly to the Government's health-led response to drug use.
"There are two issues in particular I wish the citizens assembly to consider: how to better meet the diverse health needs of people who use drugs?
How to prevent the harmful impact of drugs on children, families, and communities?
"I also want to see an international component to the citizens assembly, so that there is an exchange of good practice from the British Ireland Council work sector on drugs, which I chair, and the EU drugs strategy and action plan, especially on alternative approaches to coercive sanctions."