Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin North West, Paul McAuliffe, has welcomed an announcement by Minister Frank Feighan that he has commenced preparations for the citizens assembly on drug use. The assembly is expected to commence in 2023 after those on biodiversity loss and a directly elected Dublin mayor conclude.
Deputy McAuliffe said, “While it is disappointing that the citizens assembly on drug use could not commence in 2022, I am pleased to see progress on this Programme for Government commitment.”
There are two issues which the Minister intends for 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
Deputy McAuliffe concluded by saying that “it is very important that this citizens assembly consults carefully with those who have recovered from drug use as well as communities such as those which I represent, Finglas and Ballymun, that have experienced high incidents of drug use and the impact of drug dealing.''
-ENDS-