Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 October 2025
188. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health the progress to date in developing a new national drugs strategy; if she will ensure that adequate financial support is provided for family support services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52460/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe process of developing the next National Drugs Strategy is ongoing. This is informed by extensive consultations with stakeholders, including drug task forces. See: assets.gov.ie/static/documents/28cd583a/Stakeholder_consultations.pdf
I recently published the draft national drug strategy, developed by an expert steering group and a reference group of frontline 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 to share the draft strategy with the Joint Committee on Drug Use to inform their deliberations and 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 HSE Health Regions. This process will include all stakeholders, including the HSE and the drug task forces. This process will be concluded by June 2026.
I aim to bring the finalised strategy and action plan to Government for approval in July 2026.
