David Young, PAIreland requires an urgent step change in its approach to drug use, the chair of the Citizens’ Assembly, Paul Reid, has said. Mr Reid was commenting as the Citizens’ Assembly on Drugs Use reached the halfway point of its programme of work after a weekend of meetings in Malahide. The weekend began with the publication of figures showing a sustained rise in drug overdose deaths in the State. Former HSE chief executive Mr Reid said information conveyed during the weekend sessions demonstrated the urgent need for a step change in the national approach to drugs use. These are delivered by multiple different agencies and bodies, often resulting in confusion, inconsistencies and gaps in delivery, the assembly heard.

Source: The Herald June 25, 2023 15:17 UTC