The Cabinet has approved a new Citizens' Assembly on drug use at its meeting in Dublin
In a statement, the Government said the assembly will be asked to consider the legislative, policy and operational changes the State could make to significantly reduce the harmful impacts of ilegal drugs on individuals, families, communities and wider society.
Chief Whip and Minister of State with responsibility for Public Health, Well Being and the National Drugs Strategy, Hildegarde Naughton, said:"Drug use affects all members of society, whether directly or through families and communities, and it imposes significant health and financial costs. Involving citizens in decision-making on drugs policy is therefore appropriate. "I want to ensure that the voice of young people is heard at the Citizens' Assembly, as they can be particularly impacted by drug use. To this end, I have initiated a consultation with young people through Comhairle na nÓg and youth drug projects in disadvantaged areas, which will be presented to the Citizens' Assembly for its consideration". Minister Naughton said she would bring forward a motion to the Dáil and Seanad next week to formally establish the assembly.Elsewhere on the Cabinet agenda, Minister for Justice Simon Harris is expected to update his colleagues on legislation which aims to protect vulnerable witnesses from intimidation and re-traumatisation. Green Party Senator Vincent P Martin is bringing a Private Members' Bill which seeks to allow courts to prohibit an accused person from personally cross examining a victim or a child in coercive control cases. Mr Harris will seek Cabinet approval not to oppose this bill, and also outline legislative plans to ensure appropriate protections are in place for victims of forced marriage, stalking and harassment in order to minimise potential re-traumatisation and intimidation during trial.This year's theme will highlight the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement; the 50th anniversary of Ireland being in the EU; and 100 years of Ireland on the international stage. Separately, Minister of State Jack Chambers is expected to bring proposals to provide €18 million to assist the licensed haulage businesses with cost pressures.
Please follow us on Google to support us Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Foreign crises: Inside the complex work of the Irish diplomatic team helping citizens in troubleDesperate pleas from Irish citizens trapped in forced marriages and complications from medical tourism are just two of the diverse reasons why Irish people call for help from Irish diplomats. We looked at the work of the consular assistance service.
Read more »
Cabinet to discuss plans to protect vulnerable witnesses in coercive control and stalking casesExpanded trial protections would prohibit those accused of coercive control from personally cross-examining victim or child
Read more »
Cabinet to sign off on the list of St Patrick’s Day visits for ministers across the globeCabinet is expected to to sign off on the list of St Patrick’s day visits for ministers across the globe today
Read more »
Cabinet to approve new Citizens' Assembly on drug useThe Cabinet meets in Dublin this morning where it is expected ministers will approve a new Citizens' Assembly on drug abuse and sign-off on this year's plan for ministerial visits on St Patrick's Day.
Read more »
€18m support scheme for haulage businesses proposedMinister of State Jack Chambers is set to bring proposals for the Licensed Haulage Support Scheme to Cabinet that will provide €18 million to assist licensed haulage businesses with cost pressures.
Read more »
Plan for new laws to protect victims of coercive control before CabinetThe broader legislation being worked on by Minister Harris will ensure appropriate protections are in place for victims of coercive control, forced marriage, stalking and harassment
Read more »