Home > Ministers for Health publish new National Drugs Strategy 2026–2030.

[Department of Health] Ministers for Health publish new National Drugs Strategy 2026–2030. (13 Oct 2026)

External website: https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-health/press-r...

The Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD, and the Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Jennifer Murnane O’Connor TD, have today published the National Drugs Strategy 2026–2030 and its first action plan, following Government approval. Together, they set out Ireland’s response to the harms of drug and alcohol use over the next five years.

The strategy:

Builds on Ireland’s health-led response, with a stronger focus on prevention and early intervention.
Provides equitable access to high-quality treatment, harm reduction and recovery supports.
Prioritises health supports and alternatives to criminal sanctions for people who come into contact with the criminal justice system because of drug use.
Strengthens Ireland’s preparedness for emerging threats in an increasingly volatile global drugs market.

The strategy incorporates the Government’s response to the 36 recommendations of the Citizens’ Assembly on Drug Use and, where appropriate, recommendations from the Joint Committee on Drug Use. The strategy and its first two-year action plan include measures on prevention; family and community supports; services for women and minority groups; supports for people with disabilities and neurodivergent people; stigma reduction; the Health Referral Scheme; and responses to nitrous oxide and other emerging substances.

Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD said: “Today’s Cabinet approval for the National Drugs Strategy 2026–2030 is an important milestone in strengthening Ireland’s response to the harms of drug and alcohol use. The strategy places health, wellbeing and dignity at its core, with a clear focus on prevention, early intervention, harm reduction, treatment, recovery and social inclusion. “This strategy and its first action plan provide a clear and ambitious path forward. By working across Government and with the HSE, statutory agencies, Drug and Alcohol Task Forces, community and voluntary organisations, and people with lived and living experience, we can deliver lasting change and ensure that high-quality supports are available in every region. I am grateful to my colleague Minister Murnane O’Connor for all her work, and I look forward to working with her and colleagues across Government to implement it.”

The strategy is built around five strategic pillars:

Protecting individuals, children, families and communities from the harmful effects of drug and alcohol use.
Providing equitable access to high-quality drug and alcohol services across HSE Health Regions and population groups.
Championing recovery and social integration in treatment, community services and public policy.
Prioritising health supports for people in contact with the criminal justice system because of drug use.
Preparing for and responding effectively to a more volatile and dynamic global drugs market.

Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Jennifer Murnane O’Connor TD said: “The National Drugs Strategy marks an important step forward in Ireland’s health-led response to the harms of drug and alcohol use. It puts prevention, early intervention and timely, compassionate support at its centre, while recognising the vital role of families and communities. “The strategy reflects the contributions of people with lived and living experience, families, service providers, communities, statutory agencies and advocacy organisations. Their insights have helped shape a practical, evidence-based strategy focused on coordinated delivery and better outcomes.”

The public consultation found strong support for the strategy’s health-led approach, proposed vision, principles and strategic pillars. It also highlighted the importance of involving people with lived and living experience in the design, delivery and review of services.

Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O’Callaghan TD said: “This Strategy reflects the Government’s commitment to a health-led and evidence-based approach to addressing the harms caused by drug and alcohol use. “While law enforcement continues to play a vital role in tackling organised criminal networks that profit from the drugs trade, we must also ensure that people who come into contact with the criminal justice system because of drug use can access the health services they need. “Through measures such as the Health Referral Scheme and strengthened collaboration across the health, justice and community sectors, this Strategy will help reduce harm and improve outcomes for individuals and communities across Ireland.”

Implementation will combine national leadership with regional and local ownership. Drug and Alcohol Task Forces will work with HSE Health Regions, local authorities, statutory agencies, community and voluntary services, and people with lived and living experience to identify local needs, strengthen integrated care and referral pathways, and tailor responses to different communities. Governance, evidence, data, monitoring and workforce development arrangements will support accountability and sustained progress.

Notes to Editors:

The National Drugs Strategy 2026–2030 succeeds the previous national drugs strategy and sets out Ireland’s strategic approach to reducing the harms of drug and alcohol use.
The first action plan includes development of a national prevention strategy; a review of Ireland’s prevention system against international good practice; implementation and evaluation of the Health Referral Scheme; stronger drug monitoring, drug-checking and early-warning arrangements; and new whole-of-government and regional governance arrangements.
The strategy incorporates recommendations from the Citizens’ Assembly on Drug Use and the Joint Committee on Drug Use, and was also informed by:
The independent evaluation of the previous strategy.
National and international evidence on the harms of drug and alcohol use.
Stakeholder engagement on new structures to support stakeholder participation in the planning and delivery of services.
The public consultation on the draft strategy.
The public consultation on the draft strategy ran from 26 February 2026 to 10 April 2026 and received 320 responses from individuals and organisations.
The consultation found strong support for a health-led approach, with 87% of respondents agreeing or strongly agreeing with this approach.
The first action plan covers 2026–2028 and sets out 33 specific actions for the initial implementation period.
Budget 2027 provides €7 million to commence implementation of the National Drugs Strategy 2026–2030, alongside €1.5 million to expand existing drugs initiatives. The new strategy funding includes €3.45 million for HSE Health Regions, €2.4 million for Drug and Alcohol Task Forces, €700,000 ring-fenced for evidence-based prevention initiatives for children and young people, and €450,000 for targeted dual diagnosis initiatives and supports for vulnerable groups.
The strategy will be implemented through national governance arrangements and regional delivery structures aligned with the HSE Health Regions.