795. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Health the current level of demand for addiction treatment and rehabilitation services in Ireland; the number of individuals entering treatment annually; the main substances involved; the regional variations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [65140/25] 

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor, Minister of State at the Department of Health: The National Drug Treatment Reporting System (www.hrb.ie/publications/?filter-scheme-28=addiction-treatment) is the national surveillance system that records and reports on cases of drug and alcohol treatment in Ireland. It is compiled annually to provide information on treatment demand and provides important data to allow services to deliver what is required. 

A key strategic priority of the National Drugs Strategy is to enhance access to, and delivery of, drugs services in the community. Demand for and access to services has increased during the period of the current strategy. 

Data published in the 2024 National Drug Treatment Reporting System (NDTRS) by the Health Research Board (HRB) shows that there was a record figure of 13,295 cases treated for problem drug use in 2024. This continues the upward trend in treatment cases and demonstrates the impact of the National Drugs Strategy in enhancing access to drug services, with an increase of 50% in cases since the strategy began in 2017. 

The data shows that the demand for drug treatment is across all regions of the country, all age groups, men and women, people with children and those without, and those who are unemployed as well those in employment. 

The report highlights key trends in problem drug use, which services are responding to in a dynamic and flexible way: 

• an increase of 7.4% in the number of cases where cocaine was the main drug (to 39.8% of all cases). 

• Cocaine was the most common drug reported in 2024, accounting for 39.8% of all cases, and a 7.4% increase from 2023 (5,289 versus 4,923 cases). 

• Cocaine remains the most common main drug among new cases, accounting for almost one-half (46.8%) in 2024. 

• For previously treated cases, cocaine accounted for 35.8% of cases, the highest number recorded to date. 

• Opioids (mainly heroin) were the second most common main problem drug reported. The number of cases fell by 519, from 3,845 in 2023 to 3,326 in 2024. 

• Heroin accounted for 84.9% of all opioid cases in 2024. 

• Cannabis was the third most common main drug reported 

• The type of drug for which treatment was sought varied by age and this has changed over time. 

• Among cases aged 19 years or under, cannabis was the main drug generating treatment demand. 

• those aged 20–44 years, cocaine was the main drug generating treatment demand. 

• Opioids were the main drug generating treatment demand among those aged 45 years or over. 

• The proportion of new cases (never treated before) was 35.9%. 

• The majority of cases were treated in outpatient facilities (70.1%). 

The cases reported in the NDTRS are from a record number of 456 drug services, these services are available throughout the country and can be found on an online interactive map (www.drugsandalcohol.ie/services_map) on www.drugsandalcohol.ie. The map lists services for different types of drugs, age groups, location, and treatment provided. 

Patterns of drug use are evolving, with more people using cocaine and benzodiazepines, and fewer dependent on opioids. It is also noticeable that polydrug use is increasing. Government has invested additional resources in services with high demand. Drug services are also demonstrating their responsiveness to changing patterns of drug use. 

The vast majority of treatment services (80%) are provided in the community, either in out-patient facilities and in low threshold settings. These services are easier to access, have minimal waiting times, and can connect cases to primary healthcare services where this is required. 

Further information is available at www.drugsandalcohol.ie/43052/1/HRB-NDTRS-Drug-Bulletin-Statlink-23.pdf. 

I secured an additional €2 million to expand drug treatment services in 2025. This significant investment aims to improve access to services in underserved communities, promote evidence-based innovations in service design and delivery, and enhance services for people who use stimulant drugs and those who have a dual diagnosis with mental health. The funding was recently allocated to the six HSE health regions, with service priorities to be identified in consultation with Drug and Alcohol Task Forces and other relevant stakeholders. 

I announced an additional €11 million in recurring funding for drugs and inclusion health services in Budget 2026. The allocation includes €4 million for service enhancement measures and will address regional disparities in availability of drug and inclusion health services, with a strong focus on the provision of services in disadvantaged and rural areas. It also aims to enhance prevention measures, including through early intervention measures to improve child health and wellbeing. 

Further information on the budget announcement is available at www.gov.ie/en/department-of-health/press-releases/press-release-minister-for-public-health-wellbeing-and-the-national-drugs-strategy-announces-funding-for-drugs-and-inclusion-health-for-2026/.