1. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Taoiseach when it is expected that the Citizens’ Assembly on Drugs will take place. [3275/23]
2. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Taoiseach the proposed running order of the citizens' assemblies. [3413/23]
3. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Taoiseach when the Citizens’ Assembly on Drugs will take place. [4161/23]
4. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Taoiseach when the Citizens’ Assembly on Drugs will take place. [4234/23]
5. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Taoiseach when the Citizens’ Assembly on Drugs will take place. [4369/23]
6. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Taoiseach the proposed running order of citizens’ assemblies. [4415/23]
7. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Taoiseach the proposed running order of citizens’ assemblies. [4418/23] 

The Taoiseach Leo Varadkar: I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 7, inclusive, together.

The programme for Government commits to establishing four citizens' assemblies on the topics of biodiversity loss, the type of directly elected mayor and local government structures best suited for Dublin, matters relating to drugs use and the future of education.

The Citizens' Assembly on local government in Dublin has concluded its work, and submitted its report and recommendations to the Oireachtas in line with the assembly's terms of reference. I met with the Chairman of the assembly, Mr. Jim Gavin, last week and he briefed me in detail on the work done. I want to take this opportunity in the House to thank him and all those who took part in the Citizens' Assembly for their participation and commitment to the task.

The Citizens' Assembly on Biodiversity Loss held its final meeting on 21 January and will submit its report and recommendations to the Oireachtas and Government as soon as possible.

Two further citizens' assemblies are committed to in the programme for Government - one on matters relating to drugs use and another on the future of education. It will be a matter for the Oireachtas to agree the timeline and terms of reference for the next assemblies.

I anticipate that the Government will shortly discuss the question of the new citizens' assembly, and will bring forward a proposal on the matter to this House in the coming weeks.

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle: There are a number of speakers and each will have up to a minute and a half...

[For the full debate, Click on the link to the Oireachtas website]