Delay on drugs assembly 'will be measured in death and devastation'

Senator says there ought to be a citizens' assembly on drugs use, rather than the one planned to discuss Dublin's lord mayoralty 

Independent senator Lynn Ruane won  support from other senators regarding the need for an assembly on the drugs issue, but her Seanad motion was defeated in a vote. Picture: Gareth Chaney/Collins

The Government has decided to set up a citizens’ assembly on a directly-elected Dublin mayor instead of an assembly on drugs use which could “save lives”, the Seanad has been told.

Independent senator Lynn Ruane said Government indications that there will be Citizens’ Assembly on drugs use some time in 2023 will be measured in certain communities in terms of deaths and devastation to families.