British-Irish Council Misuse of Substances (Drugs and Alcohol) Ministers met in Dublin Castle today. The meeting was hosted and chaired by Minister Alex White T.D., Minister of State for Primary Care in Ireland. BIC Ministers shared information on policies and trends in drug use in the eight BIC Administrations’ jurisdictions and exchanged views on education, interventions and treatment.

The main discussion at the meeting focused on current patterns and responses in relation to Cannabis, New Psychoactive Substances and Misuse of Prescribed Medicines. BIC Ministers agreed on the importance of national and international collaboration, and that prompt and proactive action should be taken to control new psychoactive substances where there is evidence of harm.

Ministers also discussed ways to address the problem of over-prescribing of medicines and also had an opportunity at this British-Irish Council meeting to share information on alcohol policies.