Joint Committee on Drugs Use to meet representatives from Dublin Drug Treatment Court and the LEAR programme

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

• Nina Brennan Head of Circuit and District Court Operations and representatives from the Dublin Drug Treatment Court (DTC); 
• Chief Executive Officer Tony Duffin from LEAR, Anna Liffey Drugs Project

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

"This week the committee will continue our discussion on a health - led approach to drug use with important voices from communities working within our capital city.  The Law Engagement & Assisted Recovery (LEAR) programme is designed to provide support to street-involved individuals with complex needs and aims to balance the needs of the individual by fostering close collaboration between An Garda Síochána and Ana Liffey Drug Project."

"The justice sector is increasingly recognising that traditional punitive measures are ineffective for individuals struggling with substance abuse. A more trauma informed supportive approach, like the Drug Treatment Court (DTC), aims to address an individual’s needs and encourage rehabilitation and has resulted in transformative change. Since 2021, the Drug Treatment Court (DTC) programme has had an impactful role on the criminal justice system and the individual. The programme works by referral of an individual(s) from Dublin District Courts."

“The heart of these community projects is a commitment to supporting individuals with complex and multiple needs - people experiencing addiction, criminality, homelessness, and mental health challenges."

“We look forward to resuming our discussion 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.