Press Release: Wednesday 30 July 2025
Minister Murnane O’Connor attends inaugural meeting of steering group established to oversee the development of the new National Drugs Strategy
The Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Jennifer Murnane O’Connor, has today attended the inaugural meeting of the steering group established to oversee the development of the successor National Drugs Strategy (NDS).
The group has been convened for a limited time period (until December 2025) and has been tasked with overseeing the drafting of a successor national drugs strategy, as well as a two-year action plan to support its delivery. Their work will be informed by the Citizens’ Assembly on Drug Use, the independent evaluation of the current strategy and feedback from consultations with stakeholders. This is in alignment with commitments in the Programme for Government: Securing Ireland’s Future.
Dr Sarah Morton has been appointed as the independent chair of the Steering Group, with the Group’s membership being drawn from civil society, including those with lived experience, government departments, the Health Service Executive (HSE), the Health Research Board (HRB), along with international experts.
Minister Murnane O’Connor said:
“The new National Drugs Strategy will set out an ambitious vision for preventing harmful drug and alcohol use, improving access to evidence-based treatment services, as well as supporting people’s recovery. It will also strengthen our cooperation with EU member states, the British-Irish Council and the Council of Europe.
“I am particularly pleased with Dr Morton’s acceptance of the role of Chair to the Steering Group.
“She is highly respected by those working in the sector having been a member of the National Oversight Committee and serving as chair to the Strategic Implementation Group.
“Her expert knowledge, experience and keen leadership skills will guide the Steering Group members through the development of the new strategy, focusing on the right to health for all individuals, building on the developments under the Reducing Harm and Supporting Recovery Strategy 2017, as well as building on the Government’s response to the Citizens’ Assembly recommendations.”