The second meeting of the Citizens' Assembly on drug use is getting underway in Dublin Castle this morning.
One hundred people, including 99 randomly chosen members of the public, will examine the issue over the next six months.
Between now and October the assembly will consider the legislative, policy and operational changes Ireland could make to reduce the harmful impacts of illicit drugs on society.
Paul Reid, chairman of the Citizens' Assembly on Drugs Use, outlines what they will be focussing on today:
"We'll be particularly looking at the harm that can be caused by drug use, and to do that we'll have testimonies from over 20 people who involve some individuals who have been using drugs or drug addiction, families, communities, and frontline care workers. We'll also visit two centres: Coolmine and Merchant's Quay Ireland".
