A citizen's assembly on drugs is likely to be set up before the end of the year.
Both Tánaiste Mícheál Martin and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar have indicated they would be in favour of an assembly on the subject.
It could potentially see recreational users get their drug of choice in an off-licence style premises.
Drug problems being experienced by communities across Waterford was one of the hot topics of the Déise Today debate involving the county's five Oireachtas members.
Fianna Fáil Junior Minister, Mary Butler says it's an ever-growing issue.
"There are huge issues in relation to drug addiction, there's huge addiction in relation to a crossover between dual addiction, mental health, and drugs, and it is fueling an epidemic," she said.
She added that it's seen in "every town and village across Ireland," as well as in sports clubs.
Green Party TD, Marc Ó'Cathasaigh says he would fully support a citizen's assembly.
"I think that would be an entirely appropriate way (to approach the issue). We've seen with the other citizens assemblies where you get to thrash out the issues in that kind of level of detail," he said.
Senator John Cummins says another area that has to be addressed is dealers using young people.
"We all know there are serious criminals that often use the front of children and young people to carry out their criminal enterprises," he said.
Supports are also being called for when it comes to Gardaí who are expected to deal with drug-related crime.
Waterford's Sinn Féin deputy, David Cullinane, says increasing the number of community Gardaí is the first step that needs to be taken.
"We can see from our own evidence in Waterford when you have really strong community Gardaí working with communities, that makes a huge difference," he said.
"It's also the role that local communities play and we have to foster and build that relationship," he added.
Independent Matt Shanahan also highlighted the difficulties faced by local Gardaí dealing with dangerous drug dealers in their own localities.
"If you are a guard in a local area and you're being told you're being watched, are you going to go out for whatever it is, 45 or 50,000 a year? I don't think so," he said.
The five-way debate took place last week and was aired on Déise Today this morning.
You can listen to the entire conversation in the 'listen back' section of our website.
For more Waterford news and sport, click here.
