Joint Committee on Drugs Use to meet with representatives from the health and policing sector

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

·        Dr Peter Kelly

·        Professor Catherine Comiskey - Trinity College Dublin

·        Assistant Professor Barry McBrien - Trinity College Dublin

A second session, in Committee Room 1, will take place at 11.30 am and will include representatives from An Garda Síochána.

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

"This week the committee will continue our discussion on a health - led approach to drug use and drug treatment services with the health and policing sector. It is crucial for both sectors to be included in the conversation around drug use as drug treatment services are part of a complex ‘eco-system’ which include collaborative care plans, non-punitive use of drug testing, trauma-informed care, human rights-based and person-centred care. The committee will hear from nurse practitioners who will discuss prescribing opiates to opiate dependent patients and the limitations of their authority to prescribe opiate substitution therapy (methadone) which can negatively impact a patient's clinical outcome."

“We look forward to resuming our discussion on a health-led approach to drug-use with both sectors and welcome the opportunity to further discuss the recommendations made by the Citizens’ Assembly.”
   

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