The programme for Government commits to establishing a citizens' assembly on drug use. It is an incredibly important issue that requires reform. We must take a holistic approach in tackling the issue of drugs in Ireland. Addiction requires a health-based approach, and the focus should be on harm reduction and prevention and, ultimately, saving lives. Best practice, such as the Portuguese model, suggests that decriminalising possession of small amounts for personal use is very effective. We must reform our drug policy and ensure it focuses on individuals and communities while holding criminality to account. The citizens' assembly on biodiversity is very welcome, but the Government is also launching an assembly on the Dublin mayor. Surely drug use is a much more pressing issue that is affecting countless communities and families. Where is the citizens' assembly on drug use and why is it not being prioritised?

As I said yesterday, the agreement of the three parties in the programme for Government was that we would commence a number of citizens' assemblies. Due to Covid-19 we were not in a position to do that. In terms of two of the commitments, one has been established on biodiversity, which is a crisis, and likewise with regard to the Dublin mayor, which had been agreed. As regards drugs policy, it is our view that we will have a citizens' assembly in the latter part of this year. However, that does not mean there is nothing happening with drugs policy. It is an urgent and serious issue that has to be dealt with in the context of a community-up approach, with multidisciplinary supports going into the communities most affected, along with a health-based approach. In any event, we are very seized of the serious situation in many communities as a result of drug abuse.