Joint Committee on Drugs Use to resume discussion on a health-led approach to drug use

The meeting will take place at 9:30am in Committee room 1 with the following representatives:

·        Representatives from The SAOL Project

·        Representatives from Merchants Quay Ireland

·        Dr Sharon Lambert, University College Cork

·        Dr Richard Healy, Research and Policy Officer with AHEAD

·        Dr Barry Cullen, researcher and educator in community services

Ahead of the meeting, Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy Gino Kenny said: 

“When we speak about drug use in public domains, we focus on the people who are experiencing chronic substance dependence - estimated to be between 10 to 25% of people who use drugs. This week we will hear from witnesses who will focus on the broader spectrum of drug use within our society. SAOL is a project for women who use substances and are working towards positive change in their lives. Merchants Quay Ireland (MQI) is a registered charity and a front-line service providing services to people who are in addiction, who may also be experiencing homelessness or struggling with mental health issues, and last year over 13,500 people came to MQI for support.

“We will also hear from health professionals, researchers and educators working across Ireland who aim to adopt a compassionate health led approach to delivering services which reduce harm and support recovery."

“We look forward to resuming our discussions with a meeting on a health-led approach to drug-use and welcome the opportunity to further discuss the recommendations made by the Citizen's Assembly.”

Watch the meeting live on www.oireachtas.ie or on the Oireachtas smartphone app for Apple and Android.