Latest news with #ProgrammeforGovernment
Euractiv
5 hours 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
RTÉ News
8 hours ago
- Business
- RTÉ News
€2bn retrofitting committment under review, department says
A commitment given by the last government to spend €2bn retrofitting residential homes by the year 2030 is now under review by current Minister for Environment and Energy Darragh O'Brien. A departmental spokesperson told RTÉ News that following the publication of the revised National Development Plan on Tuesday, allocations to specific programme areas are "still being finalised". Within a year of the Green Party going into Coalition with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael in 2020, a new National Development Plan was published which had a distinct environmental and climate action focus. There was increased funding of residential retrofits on the basis that it insulates homes and reduces the use of fossil fuels. That Coalition's National Development Plan promised to increase the retrofit budget from €202m in the year 2022 to €2bn by the year 2030. This week, the new Coalition published a revised National Development Plan which boosts NDP funding by €30bn over the next five years. However, the document does not identify what projects will be funded or by how much. Asked if the retrofit budget will be €2bn by the year 2030, a Department of Energy spokesperson could only say yesterday that individual budget lines are "still being finalised", but added that a record €550m has been allocated to the sector this year. The Green Party's Spokesperson on Energy Ossian Smyth has warned that any deviation from the old 2030 targets would be bad for the public and further endanger Ireland's chances of reaching its carbon reduction targets. A spokesperson of the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment said: "The Programme for Government affirmed the Government's commitment to making Ireland's buildings more sustainable and energy-efficient, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and lowering energy costs for households. "By promoting retrofitting, renewable heating, and solar energy, we aim to make homes warmer, cheaper to heat, and less reliant on fossil fuels. "We are delivering at scale and pace on our National Retrofit Plan, with €421m of capital expenditure and almost 54,000 home energy upgrades completed last year in 2024. "This year, in 2025, a record capital budget of over €550m has been allocated to the SEAI residential and community energy upgrade schemes, including the Solar PV Scheme. "This allocation will support over 64,500 home energy upgrades to make homes warmer, healthier and more comfortable, with lower emissions and lower bills. "More broadly, the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment welcomes the substantial of €5.64bn allocation under the National Development Plan review, in addition to a landmark €3.5bn investment in Ireland's electricity grid infrastructure. "Thereafter, allocations of monies to specific programme areas within the department are still being finalised. Programme allocations will be announced in due course. "The Government is committed to the continued delivery of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) residential and community energy upgrade schemes, including delivering more B2 home energy upgrades; revising and improving the provision of grants and financing models for homeowners who wish to retrofit, enhancing energy efficiency and reducing costs; as well as the supporting group retrofitting projects and area-based approaches to retrofitting. "On our National Retrofit Plan, we continue to build on the progress achieved in recent years. Since 2019 and to mid-year 2025, there has been a record level of more than €1.4 billion invested in SEAI schemes to support over 213,000 home energy upgrades, including over 69,000 B2s and almost 28,000 fully-funded upgrades for households at risk of energy poverty under the Warmer Homes Scheme."
Irish Post
a day ago
- Business
- Irish Post
Ireland's financial services hit record levels
IRELAND'S financial services sector has reached a major milestone, now employing more than 60,000 people—up from just 35,500 in 2015. The nearly 70% growth over the past decade is in part to do with Brexit, which caused many companies to relocate operations from Britain to Ireland. However, a new consultation paper from the Department of Finance warns that this Brexit-driven momentum is likely coming to an end. The paper, published as part of a public consultation process on the next phase of the 'Ireland for Finance' strategy, highlights the need for new approaches to ensure continued growth in the sector. 'Ireland is now home to many global financial services giants, many of whom have chosen it as their EMEA headquarters,' the paper notes. 'Post-Brexit, Ireland experienced a further influx of IFS firms relocating from the UK.' But it also cautions that the advantages gained from Brexit are likely to diminish as emerging international hubs like Singapore and Dubai ramp up efforts to attract financial services companies. Launched in 1987 under then-Taoiseach Charles Haughey, the 'Ireland for Finance' strategy has helped transform the country into a global financial services powerhouse. Today, Ireland hosts approximately 600 international financial services companies and ranks as the sixth-largest exporter of financial services in the world. It is also the third-largest domicile for investment funds and has developed strong specialisations in sectors such as banking, funds, asset management, insurance, reinsurance, fintech and aircraft leasing. Minister of State at the Department of Finance, Robert Troy, said Ireland's success stems from a clear and consistent policy approach. In a recent interview with FinTech Magazine, he pointed to fintech as a core focus area of the current strategy. 'This is a sector where we've seen rapid growth over the last decade,' he said. 'And I think that growth probably stems from the fact that we had a clear strategy for Ireland for finance.' Troy also underscored the need for balanced regulation, noting that the Central Bank of Ireland's 'strict but fair' approach has been essential to maintaining investor confidence. 'We're dealing with people's savings, with transferring assets. They want certainty and protections in place.' In addition to rising global competition, the consultation paper outlines other challenges for the sector, including the green transition and sustainability objectives set by both Ireland and the EU. The paper notes that the financial services industry will play a critical role in funding climate-related projects. It also highlights the need to encourage people to move savings from low-interest bank accounts into more productive investments that support long-term economic development. The Programme for Government has set a goal of creating 9,000 new jobs in the IFS sector by 2030, but the Department of Finance warns that in today's uncertain global environment, simply holding onto existing jobs is equally important. Last year, a report by Indecon found that the funds and asset management sector alone delivered nearly €1 billion in direct tax revenue. The public consultation, which is open until September 19, invites stakeholders to contribute their views on how Ireland can continue to grow its financial services sector while identifying barriers to competitiveness. The next phase of the 'Ireland for Finance' strategy will aim to ensure that Ireland remains a globally attractive destination for financial firms, even as the international landscape becomes more complex. See More: Economy, Finance, Finance Minister, Robert Troy
Irish Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Business
- Irish Daily Mirror
Government slammed for 'vague' €275.4 billion National Development Plan
The government's announcement of the €275.4 billion National Development Plan (NDP) has been slammed as ministers have been accused of keeping it vague due to an expected lacklustre budget. Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Tánaiste Simon Harris and Independent TD Seán Canney announced funding proposals for the latest NDP on Tuesday. It's the government's long-term plan for large-scale infrastructure projects, covering the period up to 2035. The plan is reworked and reviewed every few years. Despite this being the largest ever capital investment plan in the history of the State, the government has been slammed for the 'unusual' decision to provide few details on the projects. This could be down to an expected disappointing upcoming budget, as politicians may want to save the details of exciting projects until then. However, the Taoiseach said this lack of detail was done purposely to give ministers a chance to draw up a list of projects, with announcements coming 'closer to the budget'. Research Professor at the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) Dr Alan Barrett said it's difficult for anyone to sink their teeth into this report as it's so vague. Speaking on RTÉ's Today with Claire Byrne on Tuesday, he said: 'We have been used to over the years getting the details of the projects, why it's not happening on this occasion we are not entirely sure. 'Today's document reminds me of the annual estimates process, where departments are being given an indication of what their allocation is going to be. "The idea that now we are having a document with a significant amount of money being launched but not getting a clear sense of what the projects are - but perhaps more importantly the extent at which they relate to one another - that is a little concern I would have today.' Despite economic experts and the opposition finding the lack of details in the NDP disappointing, here is what we know so far: Housing From 2026 to 2030, the government plans to invest €35.955 billion in housing, with Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers saying housing is the main priority. The Taoiseach echoed this as he outlined a target of 300,000 new homes in this timeframe, with 12,000 a year being social housing. Minister Paschal Donohoe and Minister Jack Chambers announcing details of the revised National Development Plan and the Summer Economic Statement at Government Buildings (Image: Stephen Collins / Collins Photos) This is in line with the current Programme for Government targets. Social Democrats housing spokesperson Rory Hearne said 'throwing billions of euros at the housing crisis without announcing a radical reset in policy" is not going to work. He added that the NDP 'gives no indication that the government is planning to move away from the measures that have plagued housing provision in the last decade". Sinn Féin's housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin said the plan will not result in "increased delivery of social and affordable homes". Water A total of €12 billion - outside of the housing allocation - has been earmarked for water infrastructure development. The Taoiseach said this investment is critical to 'support new house building industrial development and regional growth'. Health Some €9.25 billion has been allocated to the health service under the NDP, which is almost double the investment of the previous plan in 2021. There is little detail on projects this will be used on, as the new plan outlined seven previous health projects that have been completed under the NDP in the last three years. The Irish Hospital Consultants Association (IHCA) has welcomed this allocation to the sector. However, with little detail on projects, it has called on Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill to ringfence the required funding for the implementation of Electronic Health Records and prioritise the rapid expansion of our current hospital capacity. Transport Some €24.33 billion is being invested into transport up to 2030, with €2 million earmarked for 'low-carbon transportation projects'. This includes the MetroLink underground line for Dublin. However, it's not expected that construction will begin until at least 2028. However, €2.2 billion has been slammed as 'not enough' by some, including Labour's transport spokesperson Ciarán Ahern. He said: 'MetroLink is supposed to be the country's flagship public transport project and €2 billion is no small sum, but in the context of the overall cost of the project, it's nowhere near enough. "We're talking about a fraction of what's actually required to see this project through." There is no mention in the NDP of other projects that the money will be used on with respect to other public transport services such as buses or trains. Climate and energy Exchequer funding of €5.6 billion has been allocated to climate and energy, as the Taoiseach said expanding investment here is 'critical to our national security and to realising the enormous potential of AI to future economic development'. The government is increasing its equity shareholdings in ESB to €1.5 billion and EirGrid to €2 billion, which was widely welcomed by both. Education The Department of Education and Youth is receiving €7.55 billion in the new NDP. It will be used to facilitate the construction of school places in primary, post-primary, special classes and special schools between 2026 and 2030. A further €4.55 billion is allocated to higher and further education. Culture, Communication and Sport Some €2.22 billion has been earmarked for this department, however, there isn't yet any information on how the funding will be used. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
RTÉ News
2 days ago
- Business
- RTÉ News
Hospitality boost in Budget to shrink workers' tax cuts
The big winner from next year's Budget is going to be the hospitality industry. That will happen at the expense of income taxpayers. The cost of reducing VAT from 13.5% to 9% for restaurants, bars and cafés is going to be up to €1bn in a full year, Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe said. That will be out of a package of tax cuts of €1.5bn, according to the Summer Economic Statement, which was published by the Government earlier. In other words, two-thirds of the capacity for reducing taxation could be absorbed by the hospitality industry. Mr Donohoe said when the Coalition made the commitment to cut the rate of VAT it meant there would be "tradeoffs and consequences" and "there are other things we are unable to do". He warned the threat of US tariffs meant that it would "not be right to grow the tax package given all we are confronting". In Budget 2025, the average worker benefited by around €1,000 from reduced taxes. That was based on a package of €1.4bn. When the Government proceeds with the VAT reduction for the hospitality industry, it would leave €500m for tax cuts elsewhere. On that basis, ordinary workers won't enjoy a similar reduction in taxation next year as they did in 2025. Trimming VAT for hospitality was a commitment which was originally made during the General Election in November last year and it was included in the Programme for Government in January this year. It would be difficult to renege on such a clear political promise. Another important element of the Summer Economic Statement is that it is predicated on zero tariffs being imposed on exports from Ireland to the US. Currently many sectors are free from tariffs including pharmaceuticals and computer chips. But other areas such as food and drink exports have been hit with duties of 10%. While the deadline for a deal on tariffs is 1 August, the issue has been long fingered twice by US President Donald Trump who has variously suggested tariffs of 20%, 30% and even 50% on EU goods. There is a very clear caveat in the Summer Economic Statement, that if the trade war between the US and EU worsens, the Government will have to revisit the tax package. It means the coming weeks and possibly months will be critical in determining the shape of the Budget.
