3146. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Health to consider a review of the actual need of addiction services given the huge issue in Ireland with drink, drugs and gambling addiction; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43488/25]

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor, Minister of State at the Department of Health: As part of the preparation of the new National Drugs Strategy, and independent evaluation of the previous National Drugs Strategy 'Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery 2017-2025' was commissioned. This evaluation was published by Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, and the Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Jennifer Murnane O’Connor on the 21st of July, 2025. A link to the evaluation can be accessed via this link: assets.gov.ie/static/documents/Evaluation_of_the_National_Drug_Strategy_Reducing_Harm_Supporting_Recovery_2017-2025_1.pdf

Page 47 of the evaluation provides a visual demonstration of drug treatment demand by HSE Health Region in 2017 at the commencement of the previous National Drugs Strategy and in 2024. This highlights the disparities in levels of drug treatment across the country, along with the significant increases in treatment demand in particular regions.

To ensure that drug treatment services are delivered in line with Sláintecare principles, officials in the Department of Health are currently undertaking an audit of drug treatment services which will inform the future planning and delivery of addiction services across Ireland. Phase 1 of this work involved the creation of a publicly available map of services which can be accessed via this link - www.drugsandalcohol.ie/services_map

Phase 2 of the project involves an analysis of funding levels across the health regions, along with the creation of data to inform the HSE's planning and delivery of addiction services.

In relation to gambling, the new Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland will inform the provision of gambling treatment services.