Emergency Departments throughout the country are becoming overwhelmed with the number of drug related cases presenting there.
The Citizens' Assembly on Drugs are examining the changes that could be made to reduce the impact of illegal drugs on society.
Today marks day two of the event which will vote on the recommendations made - in October.
Dr. Chris Luke says Emergency Departments are stretched to the limit.
"Everybody at this stage realises that our Emergency Departments are completely overwhelmed in every town and city in the state.
"In terms of illegal drugs [admissions] they tend to come into us in the afternoons and evenings.
"These people are coming in to already bursting emergency departments".
Today's agenda
The Citizen's Assembly on Drugs was visiting treatment centres in Dublin this morning to meet service users and staff.
Two groups of 50 citizens were transported to the Coolmine Treatment Centre and Merchant's Quay Ireland to learn more about the lived experience of drugs use.
They will return to Dublin Castle this afternoon for a discussion on what they found.
