3 May 2023 – The Citizens’ Assembly on Drugs Use has today launched a public consultation process seeking the views of the general public and stakeholder groups in relation to drugs use in Ireland.
The Citizens’ Assembly has been asked by the Oireachtas 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. To support and inform its deliberations, the Citizens’ Assembly is now inviting written or recorded submissions on any issue relevant to its Terms of Reference.
Welcoming the launch of the consultation process, the Chairperson of the Assembly, Paul Reid, said: “From the very beginning of this Citizens’ Assembly, we have been aware of huge interest from the general public and stakeholder groups in the work of the Assembly. It’s clear that drugs use affects every community across Ireland, and that many people have strong views on what should, or should not, be done to address the issues. We are now inviting submissions from the general public and stakeholder groups, and hope to hear a diverse range of perspectives on this important question.”
The consultation process offers stakeholders and the wider public an opportunity to engage with the Citizens’ Assembly. This engagement has been an important feature of each Citizens’ Assembly to date and has helped ensure that a wide range of voices and viewpoints are shared with Assembly.
Submissions can be made, in written or video format, via www.citizensassembly.ie/submissions. The process is open for eight weeks, with a closing date of Friday 30 June 2023.
