The National Drug Strategy 2017–2025 (NDS 2017-2025), “Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery 2017- 2025”(1), is Ireland’s national framework for addressing substance use through a whole-of-government, person-centred, and health-led approach, framing substance use as primarily, a public health issue. The strategy’s goals, objectives and actions are underpinned by six core values; compassion, respect, equity, inclusion, partnership, and evidence-informed action. The implementation of the strategy has been guided by five overarching goals: promoting health and wellbeing; minimising harms and supporting recovery; addressing drug market impacts; fostering community participation; and developing evidence-informed policies(1) . The governance structure of the NDS includes the National Oversight Committee (NOC), chaired by the Minister of State for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, and supported by Strategic Implementation Groups (SIGs). These bodies are responsible for monitoring progress, coordinating implementation, and ensuring that actions are informed by stakeholder input and lived experience. The “Mid-Term Review” (2020)(2) assessed progress from 2017 to 2020, identifying key developments such as the expansion of harm reduction services, improved access for priority groups, and increased investment in data and evaluation. It also highlighted ongoing challenges, including regional disparities in service provision, rising polydrug use, and gaps in integrated mental health and substance use care. These findings informed the development of six revised strategic priorities for 2021–2025(4), which were operationalised through the “Strategic Action Plan” 2023–2024(5) . It is important to note that the “Citizens’ Assembly on Drug Use” (CADU), was convened in 2023 to examine the legislative, policy, and operational reforms required to mitigate the harms associated with drug use. The “CADU” published its final report in 2024(6), providing 36 recommendations spanning prevention, harm reduction, treatment, rehabilitation, recovery and a reconsideration of roles of health and justice sectors to support an integrated and health-led response to drug use. These recommendations remain under active consideration of a Joint Oireachtas Committee on Drug Use and are anticipated to play a significant role in shaping future strategies.