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THE former boss of the Health Service Executive has been appointed as the independent chairperson of the Citizens’ Assembly on Drugs Use.

Paul Reid — who was also Fingal County Council chief from 2014-2019 and CEO of the HSE through the Covid-19 pandemic — said he was “delighted” to have been appointed to the position.

“The problems associated with drugs use in Ireland affect us all, directly or indirectly,” he said.

“Previous Assemblies have shown that members of the general public have an important contribution to make to tackling complex societal problems, and I expect that the Citizens’ Assembly on Drugs Use will be no different,” Mr Reid added.

The announcement was made by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar.

“Paul has vast leadership experience and a successful track record as CEO of the Health Services Executive and Fingal County Council. I am confident he will be an excellent choice as Chairperson of the Citizens’ Assembly on Drugs Use,” Mr Varadkar said.

The Assembly was established last month, following resolutions in the Dáil and Seanad, with the

Terms of Reference calling on the body to examine and make recommendations on the legislative, policy and operational changes the State could make to reduce the harmful impacts of illicit drugs on individuals, families,