Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 February 2026
405. Deputy Aisling Dempsey asked the Minister for Health the rationale for the proposed establishment of regional structures under the National Drugs Strategy; to clarify the governance, funding and accountability arrangements for these structures; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8939/26]
View answer406. Deputy Aisling Dempsey asked the Minister for Health the way in which population-based planning, which will be used for new National Drugs Strategy structures, will address deprivation and local need; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8940/26]
View answer415. Deputy Aisling Dempsey asked the Minister for Health the consultation which has taken place with local drug and alcohol task forces and communities ahead of the proposed regional structures under the National Drugs Strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8978/26]
View answer416. Deputy Aisling Dempsey asked the Minister for Health the way in which the independent, community-led nature, and preventative role, of task forces will be protected in the new proposed regional structures under the National Drugs Strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8979/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 405, 406, 415 and 416 together.
The process of developing the next National Drugs Strategy is ongoing.
I recently received the draft national drug strategy, developed by an expert steering group and a reference group of front-line services and people with lived experience. The draft strategy sets out an integrated, equitable and evidence-based response to drug and harmful alcohol use.
I have agreed with the Joint Committee on Drug Use that I will share the draft Strategy with them shortly to inform their deliberations and that I will take cognisance of any recommendations they make in their final report, in the finalisation of the National Drug Strategy.
The next steps in finalising the National Drug Strategy are as follows:
- a public consultation to gather the views of the public on the draft strategy.
- a process of engagement to review the regional governance structures for the strategy and to ensure their alignment with the new HSE Health Regions. This process will include all stakeholders, including both the HSE and the Drug and Alcohol Task Forces. This process will be concluded by June 2026.
You may be assured that I fully intend to ensure the continued community-led role of task forces under the HSE-led regional structures to coordinate the planning, funding and delivery of drug services under the National Drugs Strategy.
The expert steering group will take cognisance of the report of the Joint Committee, the results of the public consultation and the process of engagement in relation to future governance and submit a revised strategy and action plan to me.
It is my aim to bring the finalised strategy and action plan to Government for approval in July 2026.
