Paul Reid appointed to lead Citizen’s Assembly on Drugs

Former HSE Chief Executive Paul Reid has been appointed as the independent chair of the Citizens’ Assembly on Drugs.

The Citizen’s Assembly is due to begin on April 14 and will consider harm reduction measures that the State could take to reduce the harm drugs have on people, families, and communities.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar TD confirmed the appointment in a statement today.

“Paul has vast leadership experience and a successful track record as CEO of the Health Services Executive and Fingal County Council,” he said.

“I am confident he will be an excellent choice as Chairperson of the Citizens’ Assembly on drugs use.”

Reid said that Citizen’s Assemblies have proven that they can tackle complex issues and he expects “the Citizens’ Assembly on Drugs Use will be no different.”

A campaign to select the other 99 members of the assembly from the general public will begin this week, when 20,000 households from across the country will receive letters inviting one person from the household to join.