The Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Jennifer Murnane O’Connor TD, has published the draft National Drugs Strategy for 2026-2029. This strategy presents an equitable and evidence-based response to drug use, reflecting the government’s commitment to reducing harms through a health-led approach. The draft has been informed by an independent evaluation of the previous strategy, current trends in drug and alcohol use, recommendations from the Citizens’ Assembly on Drug Use, and input from a wide range of stakeholders, including Oireachtas committees. Recognizing the intersection between problem drug use and harmful alcohol consumption, the draft offers an integrated approach to addressing harms associated with all substances.
Publishing the draft at this stage ensures that stakeholders, members of the public, particularly those with lived experience, and relevant organizations have the opportunity to provide input before the final strategy is established. This inclusive approach is intended to ensure that the strategy accurately reflects the current landscape and responds to the evolving nature of substance use challenges in Ireland. A public consultation will be launched in the coming weeks, followed by an engagement process to review regional governance structures and align them with Health Service Executive Health Regions. This process will involve all relevant stakeholders, including the HSE and drug task forces, and is expected to be completed by June 2026.
Minister Murnane O’Connor highlighted that it has been nearly ten years since the last national drugs strategy was published. Over this period, significant changes in drug use patterns have been observed, alongside a deepened understanding of the harms associated with drug and alcohol use. The draft strategy aims to provide clarity on proposed measures and to gather input from families, communities, service providers, and advocacy organizations to ensure the final strategy is fit for purpose. The Expert Steering Group will consider the outcomes of the consultation, the Joint Committee on Drug Use report, and future governance engagement to submit a revised strategy and action plan.
The draft strategy upholds the right to health, affirming that individuals experiencing harmful drug or alcohol use are entitled to access healthcare services and support for recovery, regardless of their social or geographic background. It sets out a forward-looking framework for reducing harm, improving access to high-quality treatment, promoting recovery, prioritizing health supports over criminal sanctions, and preparing for global drug threats. The strategy will be implemented through 30 specific actions over the first two years, with additional actions planned for the remaining period, ensuring a comprehensive and sustained response to substance use challenges in Ireland.
