Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and National Drugs Strategy, Jennifer Murnane O’Connor TD published the findings from the public consultation on the forthcoming National Drugs Strategy 2026-2029. The consultation shows strong public support for a health-led approach to drug use, along with broad endorsement of the strategy’s vision, priorities and implementation approach. It also highlights a clear expectation that the strategy will be effectively delivered, locally responsive, and shaped by lived and living experience.

Welcoming the report, Minister Murnane O’Connor said: “I am pleased to share the findings from this public consultation on the draft National Drugs Strategy 2026-2029, which I published in February. I want to extend my sincere thanks to the 320 individuals and organisations who took the time to engage and to provide thoughtful feedback. Your input will play an important role in finalising the strategy.”

The report highlights strong support for the health-led approach to drug use and the vision and priorities set out in the strategy, and highlights:

• 87% of respondents strongly agreed or agreed with a health-led approach to drug use.
• Between 72% and 79% strongly agreed or agreed with the vision and principles in the National Drugs Strategy.
• 71% strongly agreed or agreed that the strategic pillars were a comprehensive response to drug and harmful alcohol use,
• 68% strongly agreed or agreed that the enabling measures help to create the conditions for the effective delivery of the National Drugs Strategy.
• Strong backing for the involvement of people with lived and living experience
• Recognition of the key role of the health system, families, communities, and society in implementation.

Respondents also highlighted the importance of delivery, the legal framework on drugs, and the role of community services and Drugs Task Forces. The report has been submitted to the Steering and Reference Groups responsible for finalising the strategy and will also be shared with the Joint Committee on Drugs Use.

The public consultation ran from 26 February - 10 April 2026.

The Minister added: “Public consultation is not simply a procedural step; it is a vital part of good policymaking and participative democracy. This process has deepened our understanding of the drug challenge, the contribution of civil society to drugs policy, and the requirements for effective implementation of the national drugs strategy.

“The public consultation is one of three initiatives I have taken to ensure a broad consensus on the next drugs strategy. There other two are the stakeholder engagement process on the regional governance structures for the strategy, under the HSE Health Regions, and the consideration of the report of the Joint Committee on Drug Use, informed by the recommendations of the Citizens Assembly on Drug Use.”