The Citizens’ Assembly on Drugs Use, established following a resolution of the Irish Dáil in February, has begun in the Grand Hotel in Malahide. The 99-member assembly has been asked to consider legislative and policy changes aimed at reducing the harmful impact of drugs in Ireland. The assembly will hear from national and international experts over the coming months before presenting its recommendations to the Oireachtas at the end of the year.

The Citizens’ Assembly on Drugs Use has held its inaugural meeting in the Grand Hotel in Malahide, marking the start of the “most extensive, engaged discussion on the issue of drug use” in Ireland’s history. Over two days, and in subsequent meetings until October, more than 90 members will hear from a variety of national and international speakers on the legislative, policy, and operational changes the state should consider to reduce the impact of illegal drug use on individuals, families, communities and wider society. Ultimately, the assembly chairman Paul Reid said the body would move towards a consensus on recommendations. “This is a safe process for deliberation,” he added.