Ireland needs to find better ways to deal with illegal drug use, the Taoiseach has said at the outset of a new Citizens’ Assembly examining the problem.
The assembly, comprising 99 randomly selected citizens reflective of the Irish population and an independent chair, will explore issues related to illicit drug taking and submit a report to the Oireachtas by the end of 2023.
It will make recommendations for change covering three areas – legislation, policy and operations/service delivery.
The first meeting, chaired by former HSE boss Paul Reid, took place in Malahide in Dublin on Saturday.
“It’s not everyday in our lives that we have the opportunity to make a difference on such a key issue for society.”- @paulreiddublin pic.twitter.com/SCJWKcSFoj
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A recorded address by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar was played to the new assembly members before they began hearing evidence.
He said the Oireachtas had established the assembly to consider an issue that affects many individuals, families and communities across Ireland.
“Far too many people are grappling with drug dependency or drug addiction,” he said.
“Far too many families have lost loved ones due to an overdose. Far too many communities have been living in fear of those who supply drugs in towns and villages across our country. So, we need to find better ways to deal with the problems arising from the use of illegal drugs.”
The lived experience of those affected by illegal drug use, including users, service providers and wider communities, will be a key theme of the assembly’s work.
Mr Varadkar said the assembly would hear lessons from around the world. He said an international perspective would also be offered on the effects of decriminalising drug use.
“So please inquire about the experiences of legalisation and decriminalisation in places like the United States, the Netherlands, Portugal and elsewhere,” he said.
“Has it really made things better or worse, has it made a difference at all?
“Whatever happens, don’t just believe whatever you’re told, and I know you won’t, be sure to ask questions and interrogate the answers.”
Chair Mr Reid told the members they were part of something “momentous”.
“It’s probably the most extensive, engaged discussion on the issue of drug use that has ever been held in the history of the state,” he said.
“So, we all really are a part of something that has the potential to be really very significant. And there’s not too many times in our life, our professional careers or indeed our personal lives that we get a chance to be involved in something that really has the potential to be as significant, and I certainly cherish that opportunity. And I know talking to many of you over the course of yesterday evening and indeed this morning you do so too.”
Mr Reid told citizens that a national debate would play out as the assembly conducted its work.
He said while that was important, he made clear to the members that they would be the ones making the decisions.
“The only people who make decisions that come out of this assembly are yourselves,” he said.
“You are the people who will draft recommendations, you are the people who will vote on recommendations.
“So, the public debate and various stakeholders who are involved in this debate are important and have views but you are the only people who will make the decisions in this room on this assembly related to this drug use.”
He added: “It is a momentous moment. I’m very pleased and proud to be part of it with you all. We have the potential to make very significant changes and recommendations that you feel are merited.”
