1157. Deputy Ann Graves asked the Minister for Health if she launched or plans to launch, a major awareness campaign to raise awareness about the significant challenges that illicit drugs pose to our society. [47833/25]

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor): Public awareness campaigns on drugs must be relevant, targeted and in line with the evidence base and best practice. A recent example is in relation to the emerging issue of HHC use. The Department has developed a public awareness campaign to inform the public that HHC is now classified as a schedule 1 drug. The key message to parents and young people is that HHC is a harmful and addictive drug. Information is also on the [www.gov.ie/hhc] webpage, detailing the changes in the legislation, its profile and its risks. This information has been shared widely on social and in print media.

Advice has also been provided for parents about how they can engage with their children on the harmful nature of all drugs. This is available at drugs.ie. Also, the HSE run periodic webinars on issues around drug use among particular groups. An example is the HSE webinar on the 7th of October for parents on vaping and psychoactive substances.

The HSE Safer Nightlife programme is an example of a targeted intervention in nightlife settings, providing harm reduction outreach teams and ‘back of house’ drug checking at large Irish festivals, with the aim of reducing drug related harms and increasing understanding of current drug trends. The programme has developed a range of information resources and media which are available at www.drugs.ie/festivals

In 2025, the Dept is providing funding to the HSE to undertake a health needs assessment among people who use drugs, which will provide national and regional evidence to inform substance use prevention. It will also inform the development of public health communications on drugs.

The Dept of Health has established a steering group to oversee the drafting of the successor national drugs strategy. Reducing the harmful impact of drugs on individuals, families and communities is likely to be a key focus on the strategy.

In line with the Programme for Government, I am committed to addressing the harmful impact of drugs as part of the forthcoming national drugs strategy.