Almost two people per day die in Ireland as a result of drug-related deaths. That is more than 1,700 people since the Taoiseach took office. Our rate of drug-related deaths is almost five times the figure of those who die in road traffic accidents and is twice the European average. This is a national disgrace. There is no urgency because of the continuing stigma that attaches to the communities primarily affected. People with addictions are treated as criminals rather than receiving medical care. Grieving parents and families have no supports. At a time when countries across the world are bringing in reforms to drug policy, Ireland remains entrenched in a failed war-against-drugs mindset. This Government chose to prioritise a citizens' assembly on the Dublin mayor over a citizens' assembly on drugs. When will we get the long-overdue citizens' assembly on drugs policy?

I have been with Deputy McAuliffe on a number of visits recently where addiction is treated as a health and holistic issue, and not as a criminal issue.

These are-----

I do not accept the basic premise that all people who are addicted are treated as criminals. I wish to put that on the record.

We criminalised-----

I did not interrupt anybody. I have met people who have been addicted and who have come through very good programmes provided with assistance from the State. It must also be said that there are community organisations working on the ground in many communities throughout the country. It is not as if everyone is out to criminalise all those who are addicted to drugs, alcohol or anything else. Addiction is a terrible thing for which the addicted person needs help.

When will these-----

Please accept our bona fides in that regard. As I have said, we have to get through the Dublin Citizens' Assembly and the Citizens' Assembly on Biodiversity Loss, which are commitments. We will do this as soon as they are complete. I would like to think that early in the new year, we will have the citizens' assembly on drugs.