The strategic action plan 2023-2024 marks a significant milestone in the further implementation of the National Drugs Strategy. The plan is based on the six strategic priorities identified following the mid-term review of the strategy in 2021:
1. Strengthen the prevention of drug and alcohol use and the associated harms among children and young people;
2. Enhance access to and delivery of drug and alcohol services in the community;
3. Develop integrated care pathways for high-risk drug users to achieve better health outcomes;
4. Address the social determinants and consequences of drug use in disadvantaged communities;
5. Promote alternatives to coercive sanctions for drug-related offences;
6. Strengthen evidence-informed and outcomes-focused practice, services, policies and strategy implementation.

The priorities are designed to strengthen the health-led approach to drugs, reflect commitments in the Programme for Government and align with the EU Drugs Strategy & Action Plan. By having a few key strategic priorities, supported by relevant actions, we can provide greater coherence to the strategy and facilitate cross-pillar and cross-government coordination. The action plan was developed by strategic implementation groups reporting to the national oversight committee. The membership of the groups comprised of representatives from Government departments and agencies, drug and alcohol taskforces and civil society, with an independent chairperson.

The national oversight structures ensure that civil society has a strong voice in drugs policy and that community and voluntary groups are centrally involved in reducing drug-related harm. The strategic action plan has a total of 34 actions, with between four and eight actions aligned with each strategic priority. Work on implementing many of the actions has already commenced and progress will be reported on a quarterly basis. In tandem with the new strategic action plan and the structures that have been put in place to support them, in 2021, over €144 million was spent on addiction services, with a further €11.7 million allocated in budgets 2022 and 2023 to support the National Drug Strategy. To further support the implementation of the National Drugs Strategy, the Department of Health is developing an initiative to map the range of drug and alcohol services across the country