Former health chief Paul Reid has vowed to press ahead today with a controversial new Citizens’ Assembly on Drugs.
Mr Reid, who is on a €650 daily fee, is chairman of the convention that begins a two-day conference this morning in Dublin. The gathering has been criticised since it was established following a Dail Eireann resolution in February.
A letter with objections from addiction experts and medical professionals about issues like transparency in the assembly was drafted last week for Taoiseach Leo Varadkar.
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But Mr Reid said yesterday: “We will discuss all the issues, hear all the voices, and consider all perspectives.
“We will produce the most informed report and recommendations, as the Taoiseach and Houses of the Oireachtas have asked us to do. We have a significant job of work ahead.” Mr Reid was appointed to the role by the Taoiseach in February, just four months after he stood down from his €420,000-a-year HSE job.
The daily rate of €650 was approved for 30 days, according to the Department of Public Expenditure, which amounts to €19,500 in that period.
Ireland has held Citizens’ Assemblies previously, including ones on gender equality and the eighth amendment.
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