Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 June 2026
243. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health further to the national drug treatment reporting system recording 15,422 cases presenting for treatment in 2025, an increase of 16%; the steps being taken to respond to the rise in cocaine-related treatment demand, given that crack cocaine cases increased by 90% and powder cocaine cases by 282% between 2017 and 2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44382/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe www.euda.europa.eu/publications/european-drug-report/2025_en [], has reported that cocaine use remains high across Europe, with approximately 4.3 million European adults (15–64 years) reporting use in 2025. The growth in cocaine use is part of a volatile and global drugs market, with increased sources of supply of drugs across European countries. Ireland is an integral part of this drugs market. Responding to the growth in cocaine requires a joined up international approach alongside national policy initiatives.
There are over 460 services providing treatment for problem drug use across the country. These services can be accessed through a map of all services provided by the Health Research Board. People can access the Drug and Alcohol Services Map (https://www.drugsandalcohol.ie) to find local supports, and the national helpline (1800 459 459) provides confidential advice
The latest published data from the Health Research Board on Ireland’s National Drug Treatment Reporting System (NDTRS), shows an increased uptake of drug treatment services in 2025. The NDTRS shows a record figure of 15,422 cases presenting for treatment for problem drug use, representing an increase of 16% on 2024, and a 73% increase in the annual number of cases entering treatment since the commencement of the current national drugs strategy in 2017. This increase in treatment numbers reflects ongoing increases in investment by the Govt.
Cocaine was the most treated and main problem drug in 2025, accounting for 42.4% of all cases. The number of cocaine related treatment episodes increased by 23.6% compared with 2024. Cocaine use is increasingly widespread across all regions, including in the nighttime economy, in towns and rural areas, and among people in employment. The continued rise in cocaine-related treatment demand is also a positive signal of more people seeking treatment for drug use. This trend underlines the need for early intervention and accessible addiction services to prevent more serious drug use.
In 2022 and 2023, the Department of Health provided €1.35m on a recurring basis to the HSE to expand drug services for people with problematic cocaine use. In 2025, approx. €170 million was provided by the Department of Health and the HSE for drug services. This is an increased investment of €54 million since 2017 and has resulted in greater availability of drug treatment services for those who need them.
My department is also investing in preventative initiatives that seek to reduce the extent of cocaine use. In particular, the HSE is developing a digital self-help project to support people to reduce their drug and alcohol use.
I am developing a successor National Drugs Strategy that will reflect a health-led response to drug use. I intend to bring the finalised strategy to Government for approval and publication in September 2026.
