Over 400 submissions made to date on citizen’s assembly on drug use

The Chairperson of the Citizens’ Assembly on Drugs Use, Paul Reid, has called on members of the public, community and stakeholder groups, and others to make submissions to the Assembly ahead of the deadline at the end of June.

Reid issued this reminder at the halfway point of the two-month window for public submissions that opened at the start of May.

To date over 400 submissions have been received, all of which will be shared with each of the 99 members of the Citizens’ Assembly on Drugs Use.

The Assembly has held two formal meetings in April and May concentrating on the personal experience on drugs use and its impact on individuals, families, emergency services, and communities.

The next meeting of the Assembly will take place on June 24 and 25 and will focus on how the health and community sectors manage and deal with the issue of drugs use.

Speaking about the submissions process, Reid said: “There has already been significant interest in the work of this Assembly reflected through the over 400 submissions received to date.

“It is clear that many people have strong views on what should, or should not, be done to address the important issue of drugs use.

“I would like to remind anyone interested in making a submission that the closing date of the June 30 is fast approaching.”

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 represented.