Last month, the Government of British Columbia decriminalised minor possession of various drug substances, including crack and powder cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin. Touted as a form of "harm reduction," the decriminalisation would enable individuals to seek aid rather than fear punishment.

A similar method of managing the drug issue has been looked at as an option in Ireland as the impact of drug use on the nation worsens.

Thankfully, after years of campaigning, the Cabinet approved a Citizens' Assembly on Drug Use on February 14th. It comes after the Oireachtas Justice Committee recommended legalising some drugs and decriminalising others back in December.

The first to be appointed to the assembly is former Health Service Executive (HSE) CEO Paul Reid.He resigned from the position last year.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar confirmed Reid's appointment as the Chairperson in a press statement.

"I am delighted that Paul Reid has agreed to chair the Citizens’ Assembly on Drugs Use. Paul has vast leadership experience and a successful track record as CEO of the Health Services Executive and Fingal County Council," Varadkar said.

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

Reid in turn expressed his delight at having been appointed to the Citizens' Assembly, noting the impact drugs have had on the country and the importance of tackling the issue.

"The problems associated with drugs use in Ireland affect us all, directly or indirectly."

Extremely privileged to be appointed by An Taoiseach as Independent Chairperson of the Citizens' Assembly on Drug Use. Like many,I've witnessed the devastating impact of drug use in our communities. I look forward to working with my assembly colleagues on this key societal issue.

— Paul Reid (@paulreiddublin) February 28, 2023

He claims that as previous Citizens' Assemblies have shown that complex social problems can be tackled, the one organised for drugs use "will be no different."

"I look forward to working with my fellow members of the Citizens’ Assembly over the coming months.”

The Citizens' Assembly on Drugs Use will begin on April 14th and is expected to finish by the end of the year.

Before then, starting this week is a campaign to select the other 99 members of the assembly. They will be selected from the general public through letters inviting one person from each of 20,000 households across the country to join.