Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 July 2026
397. Deputy Paula Butterly asked the Minister for Health in light of a surge in the number of people seeking treatment for cocaine addiction and Ireland being the second highest country in the EU for cocaine use, if she will support a cross-departmental approach to address this issue. [45624/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe European Drug Report 2026: Trends and Developments (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.
The 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 commonly treated 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.
The Government has responded to the increased use of cocaine by investing in treatment services. In all, there are over 460 services providing treatment across the country. These services can be accessed through a map of all services provided by the Health Research Board.
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 currently finalising the national drugs strategy, which will set out an integrated, equitable and evidence-led response to drug use, including cocaine. It will also prepare and respond effectively to a volatile and dynamic global drugs market, working with EU members states, Europol and the EU Drugs Agency and the Europol.
