Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 February 2026
279. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Health if she will provide an overview of her Department's responses to recommendations made in the report of the Citizens' Assembly on Drugs Use; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13124/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 5th February, I published the draft National Drugs Strategy 2026-2029 An integrated, equitable and evidence-based response to drug and harmful alcohol use. The draft strategy is informed by the 36 recommendations of the Citizens’ Assembly on Drug Use and other reports.
A public consultation was launched on 26th February 2026 and remains open until 10th April 2026. Following this, an engagement process will be initiated to review the regional governance structures for the strategy and to ensure their alignment with the Health Service Executive (HSE) Health Regions. This process will involve all relevant stakeholders, including the HSE and the drug task forces, and is scheduled to be completed by June 2026.
As you are aware, the Joint Committee on Drug Use was established to consider the recommendations of the Citizen's Assembly report. I have shared the draft national drugs strategy 2026-2029 with members of the JCDU for their consideration and have committed to taking the recommendations in their final report into consideration in finalising the strategy.
I aim to bring the finalised strategy to Government in July 2026. This will set out the Government's response to the 36 recommendations of the Citizens Assembly on Drug Use.
