The Cabinet are currently holding a meeting in Dublin this morning (February 14) – with the ministers are expected to approve a new Citizens' Assembly on drug abuse. In addition, the plan for ministerial visits on St Patrick's Day for this year will be signed-off.

Hildegarde Naughton, Minister of State, will seek Cabinet approval for the formation of a new Citizens' Assembly on drug use. If approved, the work could begin as soon as April.

Meanwhile, Senator Vincent P. Martin of the Green Party is expected to introduce a private Member's Bill, allowing courts to prevent defendants from personally cross-examining victims or children in coercive control cases.

The Minister of Justice, Simon Harris, will seek Cabinet approval to not oppose this bill. In addition, he will present legislative proposals to protect victims of forced marriage, stalking, and harassment. This should decrease the risk of re-traumatisation and intimidation during the process.

Ministers will also sign-off on ministerial visits for St Patrick's Day this year. Due to the large number of anniversaries, this year's theme highlights the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, the 50th anniversary of Ireland being in the EU, and years of Ireland's presence on the international stage.

Separately, State Minister Jack Chambers is expected to present budget proposals totalling €18 million. This financial support is intended to assist the franchised transportation industry in dealing with cost pressures.