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Dáil
‹ Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation

Citizens' assembly on drugs

Summary

Deputy McAuliffe asks whether an early citizens’ assembly report could pave the way for a new assembly on drugs and broader terms of reference. The Taoiseach says he would be very disposed to the idea and notes others have proposed it as a priority.

At the weekend, Jim Gavin, the chairman of the Dublin Citizens' Assembly, indicated that he might have his report ready earlier than expected. It appears he is as good in the chair as he is on the field, although I am not sure anybody would be up for five citizens' assemblies in a row. Does the early delivery of that report give us the opportunity to establish a citizens' assembly on the legal framework for drugs? Will the Taoiseach examine that? Will he also examine if it is possible for the terms of reference to include not just the headline issues on the legal framework for drugs but also the issues around recovery and addiction? Will the Taoiseach join me in congratulating people in communities in Finglas and Ballymun who had a really successful recovery month in September? It is really a life-changing experience for people who are able to achieve recovery.

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I thank the Deputy for raising this. I know it has been an issue of concern for him for quite some time. I pay tribute to those in Ballymun. I met them with the Deputy on different occasions on the issue of drug addiction and recovery. I pay tribute to Jim Gavin and the citizens' assembly for its efficiency. There is no need to elaborate on Dublin's success on the football field to the rest of us. We note that super-efficiency. I would be very disposed to the idea of a citizens' assembly on drugs and many Members, the Deputy included, have proposed that as the next priority for a citizens' assembly.

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