Ireland publishes National Drugs Strategy as ministers battle rising cocaine use
The report, commissioned by the Department of Health and conducted by Grant Thornton, assesses the strategy across four key domains: impact, governance, performance, and coherence with international policy frameworks. It fulfils a commitment made in the Programme for Government and arrives as policymakers prepare to draft a successor strategy by the end of 2025.
The evaluation finds that the NDS has made 'notable progress in advancing a health-led approach,' particularly through the expansion of harm reduction measures such as naloxone distribution, needle exchange programmes, and drug-checking services.
On governance, the report cites the establishment of strategic implementation groups and enhanced interagency collaboration at the local level as key achievements. These developments, it notes, have enabled 'more responsive and context-sensitive service delivery.'
Performance metrics show improved data collection and monitoring. Shifting trends
Cocaine emerged as the most common primary drug reported in treatment cases in 2024, underscoring a shift in Ireland's drug use profile.
Ireland's latest drug use figures, published in 2025 by the Health Research Board, reveal a shifting landscape in substance use, with cannabis and cocaine remaining the most prevalent illicit drugs.
Based on data from the 'Healthy Ireland Survey 2023', 7.8% of adults reported using cannabis in the past year, while cocaine use rose to 4.4%, particularly among those aged 25–34.
Sedative and tranquilliser use stood at 2.5%, with higher rates among women and older adults. The report also highlights a rise in polydrug use and a strong correlation between drug use and other risk behaviours, including tobacco and alcohol consumption. EU drug strategy alignment
Internationally, the strategy is deemed well-aligned with the EU Drugs Strategy and Action Plan 2021–2025, with Ireland's contributions to early warning systems and multilateral research initiatives receiving particular praise.
However, the review also identifies persistent challenges, including fragmented delivery of prevention and early intervention services, and a need for alternatives to coercive sanctions. It outlines 10 strategic recommendations to guide the next phase of policy development.
Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill welcomed the report's focus on equity and access, noting alignment with ongoing Sláintecare reforms. 'The establishment of new HSE health regions presents a valuable opportunity to tailor drug treatment services to population needs and to ensure that both existing and new funding is allocated effectively and transparently,' she said.
Carroll MacNeill also highlighted the importance of cross-border and EU collaboration: 'The upcoming Irish Presidency of the EU offers a unique opportunity to foster greater collaboration between member states, the EU Drugs Agency, and civil society organisations.' She added, 'Together, we can better address the health and preparedness challenges posed by an evolving and dynamic drugs market.'
Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Jennifer Murnane O'Connor reaffirmed her commitment to a health-led approach, including the proposed health diversion scheme.
She welcomed 'the strong endorsement in the evaluation of the health-led response to drug use, including the proposed health diversion scheme for people found in possession of drugs for personal use. I am determined that the scheme will commence as soon as possible, in line with the commitments in the Programme for Government.' Next steps
Murnane O'Connor announced the formation of a steering group to draft the next strategy. 'It is my ambition that the successor national drugs strategy will further strengthen the health-led approach to drug use by addressing the health and social needs of people who use drugs, reducing the harms for individuals, families and communities associated with drugs, and supporting recovery from drug addiction,' she said.
The review's 10 recommendations include enhancing culturally sensitive services, increasing community engagement, aligning service delivery with regional needs, and investing in monitoring and research systems.
It also calls for stronger integration of alcohol treatment services and continued development of alternatives to criminal sanctions.
The evaluation follows the 2024 report of the Citizens' Assembly on Drug Use, which issued 36 recommendations spanning prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery. These remain under active consideration by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Drug Use and are expected to shape the forthcoming strategy.
The EU Drugs Strategy 2021–2025 set out a robust, health-oriented framework to tackle drug-related issues across member states, balancing supply reduction with demand-side interventions.
Central to the strategy has been harm reduction, international cooperation, and evidence-based policymaking, underpinned by commitments to human rights, gender equality, and public health.
Its strategic goals have included enhancing security, expanding access to treatment, and reinforcing governance structures. The strategy also aligns with UN conventions and supports multilateral engagement.
Its foremost priority is the disruption and dismantling of high-risk organised crime groups linked to drug trafficking, particularly those operating within or targeting the EU, and addressing their connections to broader security threats.
By Brian Maguire
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