A new citizens’ assembly in Ireland will examine issues related to illegal drug taking and make recommendations for change. The assembly is made up of 99 randomly selected citizens and will submit a report to the Oireachtas by the end of 2023. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar called for better ways to deal with the problems arising from illegal drug use and said the assembly would hear from those affected and consider lessons from worldwide policies on decriminalisation. Former HSE boss Paul Reid chairs the assembly.

Ireland’s Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, has called for better ways to deal with illegal drug use as part of a new Citizens’ Assembly examining the problem. Consisting of 99 randomly selected citizens, reflective of the Irish population, and an independent chair, the assembly will explore issues related to illicit drug taking and make recommendations for change covering legislation, policy, and operations/service delivery. The assembly will also include perspectives from those affected by drug use, including users, service providers and wider communities. The lived experience will be a key theme in the assembly’s work, and an international perspective on the effects of decriminalising drug use will also be offered. Former HSE boss Paul Reid will chair the assembly.