Harm-reduction (HR) covers approaches that look to reduce the health, social and economic harms of drug use to individuals, communities and society. In Ireland, the term ‘health-led’ has been used to refer to HR responses to drug use.

Polydrug use refers to the use of two or more drugs or type of drugs either at the same time or sequentially. It covers the use of both illicit drugs and legal substances, such as alcohol and medicines. Polydrug use is important because the use of multiple drugs potentially increases both the acute and chronic risks associated with drug consumption.

The move towards a harm-reduction approach to drug usage poses new considerations for parliament. The diversity of drug usage in Ireland and the approach to decriminalisation in other jurisdictions may frame the development of future policy and legislation.

A pivot to harm-reduction (HR) is likely to be on the drugs policy and legislative agenda in the new parliament. Such a move would represent significant change and, to be effective will require careful consideration and coordinated implementation. As shown in Figures 1 and 2 of the report, drug use in Ireland is increasing, especially in younger age groups. The variety of drug use, ‘polydrug use’, is also increasing...