Pictured, from left: Prof. Eamon Keenan and Dr Narayanan Subramanian
Some of the College members and office team attended the launch of the “Report of the Citizens’ Assembly on Drugs Use” in Dublin Castle today. The report was launched by Assembly Chair Paul Reid, and Government Chief Whip, Minister Hildegarde Naughton T.D. who is also Minister of State with responsibility for Public Health, Well Being, and the National Drugs Strategy.
The report includes 36 recommendations for how to significantly reduce the harms caused by illicit drug use in Ireland with a focus on strategy, policy, legislation, services and a health-led approach. It offers an in-depth exploration of the drivers of supply and demand, the harms experienced by individuals, families and communities, and the strengths and weaknesses of the State’s response.
Prof. Eamon Keenan, National Clinical Lead, HSE Addiction Services and Dr Narayanan Subramanian, HSE National Clinical Lead for Dual Diagnosis, both members of College Faculty of Addiction Psychiatry, spoke during a lively Q&A.
You can learn more or download the full report here.
Last September, Prof Anne Doherty presented at a session of the Assembly on behalf of the College. She highlighted concerns and action points from the College submission to the assembly. She also spoke about the experience of psychiatrists with patients who are very unwell presenting to Emergency Departments and on wards due to illicit drug use and abuse. See the College submission here.
Dr Narayanan Subramanian asking a question during the Q&A.