Latest news with #NationalDrugsStrategy
Irish Daily Mirror
8 hours ago
- Health
- Irish Daily Mirror
HHC now added to list of illegal drugs in Ireland
Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC), commonly sold as e-cigarettes or vapes, is now illegal to sell and possess in Ireland, the Government has confirmed. This means that the import, export, production, possession, sale and supply of products containing HHC is now illegal. HHC is a semi-synthetic version of a natural cannabinoid found in cannabis. Since it was first detected in Ireland in 2022, it has been linked with episodes of psychosis and hospitalisation. It can be used in vapes or in jelly edibles and emulates the effects of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the narcotic component present in cannabis plants. Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill and Minister for the National Drugs Strategy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor announced that Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) has been categorised as a Schedule 1 controlled drug in the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977. Schedule 1 controlled drugs are those which are considered to have little or no therapeutic value and which present a very high risk of abuse. The new classification means that the import, export, production, possession, sale, and supply of products containing HHC is now illegal. The addition of these substances to the Schedules of the Misuse of Drugs Acts gives added powers of enforcement to An Garda Síochána combatting the trade in illicit drugs. 'The sale of HHC as vapes, in attractive packaging, or in edible jelly form, is a marketing ploy aimed at young people, which masks the fact that this drug is harmful for youth mental health and can be addictive,' said Minister Carroll MacNeill. 'Under the successor national drugs strategy, I'm committed to reviewing legal avenues to respond faster and more effectively to emerging threats from the volatile drugs market. In line with our health-led approach to drug use, our priority is to advance measures that enable us to protect and support the health of our population.' Minister Murnane O'Connor added: 'Controlling HHC and other harmful substances is an important step that must be complemented by education and prevention programmes so that young people and parents are better informed about the risks associated with drug use. 'We know that HHC is responsible for hospitalisations and psychotic episodes, and that there are many people today struggling with addiction as a result of this and similar drugs. 'I urge people seeking help, either for themselves or for a loved one, to contact the HSE Drugs and Alcohol Helpline. Information on services in your locality can be found on the Health Research Board's interactive map.' Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here The Irish Mirror's Crime Writers Michael O'Toole and Paul Healy are writing a new weekly newsletter called Crime Ireland. Click here to sign up and get it delivered to your inbox every week
Irish Examiner
5 days ago
- Health
- Irish Examiner
Number of festivals to have HSE's harm reduction initiative is halved ahead of drugs strategy review
The HSE harm reduction initiative will be at two festivals this year with officials saying they won't expand the programme any further pending a 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 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 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.
Euractiv
6 days ago
- Health
- Euractiv
Ireland publishes National Drugs Strategy as ministers battle rising cocaine use
Dublin - Ireland's health ministers have released an independent evaluation of the country's National Drugs Strategy (NDS), 'Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery 2017–2025', highlighting progress in harm reduction and international alignment, while also identifying areas for structural reform. 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
Irish Times
21-07-2025
- Health
- Irish Times
Cocaine users are now older, better educated and more likely to be working
People accessing treatment for drug use are older, have a higher level of education and are more likely to be in employment than they were seven years ago, according to a new report published by the Department of Health . On Monday, the department will publish an independent evaluation of the National Drugs Strategy, which sought to treat drug use and addiction with a health-led approach. According to the report, which was conducted by Grant Thornton, there is a changing demographic of drug users in Ireland. The median age of those in treatment increased from 30 in 2017 to 34 years in 2024, the report said, while the proportion of all cases in paid employment increased from 14.3 per cent in 2017 to 21.8 per cent in 2024. READ MORE The proportion of cases who ceased education for the first time before the age of 16 decreased from 34.9 per cent in 2017 to 30.3 per cent in 2024. In 2024, 13,295 cases were treated, the highest annual figure to date, representing a 48 per cent increase since 2017. Cocaine surpassed opioids as the main problem drug reported by people seeking treatment, according to the review. In terms of overall drug prevalence, the proportion of adults who used drugs within the last year has remained stable at 7.3 per cent. The most commonly used drugs in the previous 12 months in order of prevalence were: cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy, magic mushrooms and ketamine. Males and young people aged 15-24 years were most likely to use drugs over the past year. Higher rates of drug use were associated with being unemployed, having completed secondary level education only, being single and being Irish. The review of the Government's strategy was largely positive, highlighting how its implementation has improved data collection, expanded harm-reduction initiatives and allowed for Ireland to contribute to international research and co-operation. However, the report also highlights a number of challenges within the sector. There are disparities in access to harm-reduction services, particularly in rural areas and among marginalised groups, the report said. [ Ireland is becoming a country of moderate drinkers and voracious cocaine users Opens in new window ] Additionally, declining pharmacy engagement threatens the sustainability of needle exchange services, it added. The review team made 10 recommendations to overcome these challenges and guide 'the next phase of strategic development'. Minister of State Jennifer Murnane O'Connor, with responsibility for the National Drugs Strategy, said Ireland has 'made significant progress' in this area. 'I welcome 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,' she said. Ms Murnane O'Connor said there is a need to 'move forward with new policies and better services to address the ever-changing drugs situation'. As such, she has established a steering group to prepare a new national drugs strategy, with a deadline of the end of this year. [ Six months ago, he started taking cocaine in a more dedicated way. Things spiralled rapidly Opens in new window ]
Irish Examiner
20-07-2025
- Health
- Irish Examiner
'Young people and rural areas let down by lack of drug treatment and prevention services'
Concerns have been raised around access to drug treatment services and prevention efforts, according to an independent evaluation of the Government's drug strategy. Rural areas, young people, and marginalised groups are reported as being 'disproportionately affected' by service discrepancies. Meanwhile, the review found that annual funding arrangements and restrictive hiring policies have contributed to staff shortages and disruptions in service delivery. The national drug strategy (NDS) is set out as a national framework for addressing substance use through a 'whole-of-Government, person-centred, and health-led' approach that primarily frames substance use as a public health issue. An independent review of the strategy, published on Monday, has found that several stakeholders also believe prevention efforts are underdeveloped, inconsistent, and lacking national ownership. The report, compiled by Grant Thornton, notes some progress and achievements, but makes 10 recommendations for the future direction of the strategy. The 10 strategic recommendations Improve the right to health for people who use drugs, providing culturally-sensitive and appropriate services for all groups. Increase community engagement and involvement from people who use these services, ensuring that they are central to policy-making and service design. Align service delivery with regional priorities, working with Health Regions to ensure that the implementation of a future drugs strategy and allocation of resources are appropriate to the local population needs. Maintain and strengthen coordination and communication between the oversight structures of the National Drugs Strategy. Establish mechanisms for interdepartmental collaboration, reflecting the need for systemic alignment across housing, justice and health sectors. Continue to strengthen alternatives to coercive sanctions for those found in possession of drugs for personal use, such as the Health Diversion Scheme and community liaison roles. Ensure equitable access to peer-led recovery services and develop national standards for recovery pathways. Strengthen prevention and early intervention initiatives across sectors. Strengthen the integration of alcohol within the national drugs strategy, rolling out integrated treatment services to enhance service delivery. Invest in monitoring, evaluation and research systems to support evidence-based policy and accountability. The authors consulted with the HSE, the health research board, members of the national oversight committee and strategic implementation groups for the NDS, as well as service users and family members with experience of drug use. Based on those engagements, it found that equity of access continues to be a concern, particularly for marginalised groups. Prevention and early intervention efforts were found to be fragmented and inconsistently delivered, while recovery and service-user involvement requires further formalisation and resourcing. Additionally, the limited integration of alcohol policy and the 'gradual implementation of legal reforms', such as alternative sanctions, were identified as requiring strategic refinement. Governance structures Meanwhile, governance structures were found to lack clearly defined roles, mandates, and accountability mechanisms. Stakeholders highlighted the need for strong national leadership, enhanced co-ordination across departments, and more inclusive decision-making processes that incorporate lived experience of service users. There were also calls for enhanced data integration and the establishment of a national research and evaluation centre. The report also details claims of inconsistent reporting from all treatment providers, which is further constraining the ability to assess the strategy's effectiveness. Stakeholders reported that high attrition rates have been observed in different regions due to factors that include limited funding. Multi-annual funding There were repeated calls by some stakeholders for multi-annual funding commitments and targeted workforce investment to support more consistent and sustainable service provision. Prevention efforts were widely viewed as 'under-resourced and lacking strategic focus'. There was an emphasis on the need for early, community-based interventions that address root causes such as trauma, poverty, and social disadvantage. Evidence shows that early-life experiences significantly influence later substance use. The social, personal, and health education programme in schools was repeatedly cited for its inconsistent delivery. Alcohol addiction Many stakeholders also felt that the NDS lacked clarity and strategic direction regarding alcohol addiction. Health minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill said it is 'essential' to assess how the more than €300 million in annual public expenditure on drugs delivers impact. She said: 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. Meanwhile, the minister of State with responsibility for the National Drugs Strategy, Jennifer Murnane O'Connor, said: 'We have made significant progress in implementing the national drugs strategy, and I'm pleased that the independent evaluation documents the many achievements over the last eight years.' She added: 'The recommendations from the independent evaluation will inform the development of the successor National Drugs Strategy. "We need to move forward with new policies and better services to address the ever-changing drugs situation.'
