About

A Citizens’ Assembly on Drugs Use has been established to consider the legislative, policy and operational changes Ireland could make to significantly reduce the harmful impacts of illicit drugs on individuals, families, communities and wider Irish society.

The Citizens’ Assembly on Drugs Use is made up of 100 people, including 99 members of the general public and one independent chairperson. The 99 members of the general public are selected at random in accordance with most recent census data to be nationally representative. The members of the Assembly are asked to take into consideration the lived experience of people impacted by drugs use, as well as their families and communities, and to look at international best practice.

The Citizens’ Assembly on Drugs Use can make an invaluable contribution to inform the Oireachtas and Government on possible approaches to drugs use in Ireland. The Citizens’ Assembly can also make a valuable contribution to a wider societal debate on drug policy. The work of the Citizens’ Assembly on Drugs Use is guided by its Terms of Reference.

Further information about the Citizens’ Assembly on Drugs Use can be found by visiting our FAQ section.