338. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the steps being taken to implement the recommendations made in the report by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice on the sanctions for possession of drugs for personal use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7856/23]

Simon Harris Minister for Justice: As the Deputy will be aware, the Department of Health leads on Government policy in the area of drugs, and this policy is guided by the national drugs and alcohol strategy "Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery - a health led response to drug and alcohol use in Ireland 2017-2025". This strategy represents a whole-of-Government response to drug and alcohol use in Ireland. Implementation is led by my colleague, the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Hildegarde Naughton, and encompasses actions for all stakeholders, including An Garda Síochána and my Department.

The Misuse of Drugs Acts, under which the sanctions referred to rest, falls under the remit of the Minister for Health.

The Deputy may also wish to note that Minister Naughton received Government approval this week to establish a Citizens’ Assembly which will be asked to consider the legislative, policy and operational changes the State could make to significantly reduce the harmful impacts of illicit drugs on individuals, families, communities and wider society.

It is expected that the Assembly will begin its work in April.

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335. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Justice if he has plans to review the legislative provisions that prohibit access to all forms of temporary release for people serving a presumptive minimum prison sentence for certain drugs and firearm offences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7829/23]

Minister for Justice: Section 29 of the Judicial Council Act 2019 requires that the Minister commence a review of enactments which provide for the imposition of minimum sentences.

In December 2021, my Department commenced this review and I hope to be in a position to provide it to the Oireachtas shortly.