Barry Heneghan
Question:
884. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Health whether, in the context of the Draft National Drug Strategy, if consideration has been given by the Minister of State at her Department with responsibility for public health, wellbeing and drugs to placing drug and alcohol task forces at Tier 2 level of the proposed governance structure in recognition of their strategic coordination role; the rationale for their current placement at Tier 3 alongside community services; and the steps that will be taken to ensure governance arrangements support effective reporting into national structures and accountability to local communities, while safeguarding the community voice; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32196/26]
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On 5th February 2026, the Minister of State with responsibility for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, published the draft National Drugs Strategy 2026–2029, An integrated, equitable and evidence-based response to drug and harmful alcohol use.
A public consultation was held on the draft strategy and has now concluded. A separate engagement with stakeholders, including drug task forces, is being undertaken to support the governance remit of the HSE Health Regions to coordinate the planning, funding and delivery of drug services and to address disparities in treatment prevalence. This process will review existing structures with a view to strengthen the input into health service planning, enhance the integration of community-based services within primary care and involve people with lived and living experience. An independent facilitator is leading this process, which will conclude in June 2026.
The finalised strategy will take cognisance of the outcomes of the public consultation, the report of the Joint Committee on Drugs Use, and the findings of this engagement process on regional governance.
I look forward to considering the finalised strategy and to bringing it to Government for approval in quarter 3, 2026.
