Number of festivals to have HSE's harm reduction initiative is halved ahead of drugs strategy review
The operation of the HSE Safer Nightlife Programme at two festivals in 2025 compares to four festivals in 2024 and three in 2023.
In a statement, the HSE said the programme cannot be expanded in its 'current format' and that it was due for a review in 2026, which will determine the 'next phase'. The HSE has recommended that changes to current policy 'should be considered' to 'improve engagement' with people using drugs.
It said the HSE was hopeful that the next National Drugs Strategy, due later this year, will have 'clear recommendations'. It is understood that the number of festivals they work at depends on various factors, including the resources it has and the number of trained volunteers at their disposal.
Priority is also placed on targeting the right audiences and ensuring health interventions are of high quality.
The HSE statement said: 'The HSE will be at Ireland's largest festival Electric Picnic, and Ireland's largest dance event 'DX'." These events are at the end of August and September.
The statement said: 'Back-of-house testing and outreach will be provided over three days of Electric Picnic, and two days of DX to support and identify risks for people who use drugs. The HSE is working with event organisers and gardaí to provide a health-led setting to ensure a safe space for people to discuss any difficulties or concerns they may have and to surrender drugs if they wish.'
Back-of-house testing involves the authorities checking drugs that have been discarded by festival goers into official 'surrender bins' at the HSE drugs.ie tents and medical tents. Checks can also be conducted on drugs connected with a person brought to a medical tent.
The HSE Programme operates with the formal agreement of An Garda Síochána as well as concert promoters. If scientists identify a trend of concern, the HSE issue alerts via drugs.ie social media, through volunteers and through digital billboards and signs.
On potential expansion, the HSE said: 'In the current format, the HSE Safer Nightlife Programme cannot be expanded and is subject to review in 2026 to identify the next phase for this programme.
'The HSE recognises the need to expand the project to help identify drug trends on an annual basis. In its current format, 'back-of-house' analysis is not suitable for small venues such as pubs or venues, and it is not viable to expand to these settings.
'Policy amendments should be considered to identify how to improve this approach, remove service barriers and improve engagement with people who use drugs across Irish society in preparation for emerging drug threats.
'The HSE is hopeful that clear recommendations in relation to this area are included in the forthcoming drugs strategy.'
Last May, the HSE warned users about new versions of the increasingly popular hallucinogenic drug, ketamine, and high-strength ecstasy pills, crystals, and powders.
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