The misuse of intoxicants in the workplace is an increasing concern for Irish employers. According to the Global Report on Cocaine 2023 which was issued from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Irish people are the joint-fourth highest consumers of cocaine globally. Furthermore, the WHO has listed Ireland as the fifth worst country in Europe for alcohol-related problems. These issues appear to be exacerbated post-pandemic.

Some organisations feel that the introduction of testing is the panacea to this issue, however it is advised to carefully consider any testing programme as it must be managed correctly to ensure it is not counterproductive...

[See also, related article Intoxicant testing in the workplace 2023 by Jennifer Cashman OF RDJ]