219. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost per uncompleted action of completing the unfinished actions in the 2017-2020 Action Plan included in the National Drugs Strategy. [33129/22] 

Minister of State at the Department of Health Frank Feighan: The Department of Health published the mid-term review of the actions in the national drugs strategy , Reducing Harm Supporting Recovery in late 2021. It shows significant progress in implementing the action plan for the period 2017 to 2020, with only a small number of the 50 actions outstanding. The Mid-term review also examined the effectiveness of government expenditure on the national drugs strategy, based on key indicators. It estimated the significant costs for society of drug use for the criminal justice system and the economy.

While the national drugs strategy covers the period 2017-2025, it included the flexibility to introduce new measures to address emerging issues and outstanding actions in the period 2021-2025. Based on the learning from the mid-term review, six strategic priorities for the national drugs strategy for 2021-2025 were identified. These priorities strengthen the health-led approach, reflect commitments in the Programme for Government and align with the EU drugs strategy and action plan 2021-2025.

The oversight structures have been revised to drive the implementation of the 6 new strategic priorities for 2021-2025. These new structures will strengthen the partnership approach and give a stronger voice to civil society in developing national policy.

The outstanding actions from the National Drugs Strategy will be incorporated into the work plans of the six Strategic Implementation Groups - to be progressed over the period 2022-2025. The requirement for additional resources to support the work of the strategic implementation groups will be considered by the Department of Health and other relevant government departments as part of the annual Estimates process.