Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin: There is a commitment in the programme for Government to establish a citizens' assembly on the issue of drugs. There is growing momentum for a radical rethink of our entire drug strategy. We have the third highest overdose rate in Europe and there is a belief that this supposed war on drugs is killing marginalised people. There is a view that we need to decriminalise the drug user - not decriminalise drugs or legalise them, but take the drug user out of the criminal justice system. The Taoiseach will have seen the recent report about an individual who was in court in Cork charged with possession of cannabis worth €4. The Government has made a commitment to the establishment of a citizens' assembly on drugs. When is it intended to establish the latter?

The Taoiseach: I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. He has been a consistent advocate in respect of this matter. We have committed to establishing citizens' assemblies on a number of issues, including the Dublin Lord Mayor, biodiversity and drugs. I will come back to the Deputy on their sequencing and prioritisation. The Government will give further consideration to the matter as well. I take the points the Deputy has made and I will come back to him.

Wednesday, 26 May 2021 - Vol. 1007 No. 6