The data presented in this paper describe trends in drug-related deaths in Ireland between 1998 and 2005.

The data used for this analysis were obtained from the National Drug-Related Deaths Index (NDRDI) which is maintained by the Alcohol and Drug Research Unit of the Health Research Board. Using four different data sources, the NDRDI has identified deaths which were either directly or indirectly attributable to drug use.

This data gives a reliable estimate of the total burden of mortality related to drug use in Ireland. This publication presents the first analysis of such data from the NDRDI.