In January 2007 the National Advisory Committee on Drugs (NACD) published its second progress report,1 presenting its goals and achievements from August 2003 to December 2005.  The NACD advises the government in relation to the prevalence, prevention, treatment and consequences of problem drug use in Ireland, and it comes under the auspices of the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.  In 2004, the government renewed the NACD's mandate and a new work programme was developed to cover the years 2005–2008. 

The report comprises an overview of the NACD’s background and functions, its current work programme, publications, communication, ongoing research and research-funding allocation, and the findings of an external review.

The NACD operates a broad-based committee system of experts drawn from relevant government departments, as well as from the statutory, community, voluntary, and academic agencies.  Five sub–committees advise on the selection of research questions and the commissioning of research. The sub–committees cover the following aspects of drug use: consequences, early warning and emerging trends, prevalence, prevention and treatment/rehabilitation.

In the period covered by the report, the NACD produced 19 publications as a result of commissioned or grant-aided research.  The publications cover a range of drug-related subjects, including the first drug prevalence survey of Ireland and Northern Ireland, an overview of cocaine use in Ireland, drug use among the homeless and an examination of the role of family support services in drug prevention. 

The NACD's ongoing commissioned external research programme is examining community studies, families' experiences of support, drug prevalence, treatment outcomes, the national Drugs Awareness Campaign and the opiate prevalence study. Final reports from these projects are expected.  The NACD's internal research programme includes ongoing projects such as the Best Practice in Rehabilitation Briefing, the Drug Trend Monitoring System and interagency work for prevention.

An external review conducted in 2004 by Talbot Associates concluded that the NACD is effective and meets a real need.  

1.  National Advisory Committee on Drugs (2006) Progress report: August 2003–December 2005. Dublin: Stationery Office www.drugsandalcohol.ie/6066/