Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Colm Burke has today welcomed the publication by the Health Research Board showing a 19.4% decrease in the number of drug-induced deaths in 2021, compared to 2020.
The National Drug Related Deaths Index (NDRDI) shows that there were 85 fewer deaths in 2021 (354) compared to the 2020 figure of 439.
Responding to the findings, Minister Burke said:
“I acknowledge the loss and grief felt by the families bereaved by the death of a loved one. While each life lost is one too many, it is very significant that the number of drug-induced deaths has reduced by almost 20%. I want to thank drug service providers and emergency responders for their work in reducing the harms of drug use through a health-led approach.”
Minister Burke added
“The risk of drug overdose deaths can be further mitigated by getting people into drug treatment and increasing access to naloxone, the antidote for opioid-related overdose. The additional investment in services under the national drugs strategy has increased by 50% the number of cases entering drug treatment (over 13,000 cases in 2023). I have also supported the expansion in drug checking services under the HSE Safer Nightlife Programme. The imminent opening of the supervised injecting facility in Dublin City Centre by the end of the year is another preventative measure.”
The Department of Health continues to work closely with the Health Service Executive’s (HSE’s) National Naloxone Oversight Quality Assurance Group, to highlight the benefits of naloxone and also to make naloxone more widely available.
In Budget 2024, €4 million in funding was secured to expand drug services in the community to develop new services for young people with drug dependency and mental health issues. In total the Department of Health and HSE allocates approximately €163 million to drug and alcohol services each year.
Minister Burke added:
“Our National Drugs Strategy and Sharing the Vision, our national mental health policy, recognises that people with a dual diagnosis (experiencing both a substance use problem and mental health issue) should have access to appropriate mental health services and supports. An integral part of the HSE’s Dual Diagnosis Programme was the development of a model of care which describes a clear clinical pathway for all adolescents and adults suspected of having a dual diagnosis covering integration across primary care, substance use, community mental health and acute services. This Model of Care was endorsed by the College of Psychiatrists of Ireland.”
Minister Burke concluded:
“I would urge anyone who has concerns regarding their drug use, or that of a loved one, to visit one of the 422 drug services that are available nationally. A map of services is available here, which provides easily navigable information on local services for people looking to access services to address their drug or alcohol use, and for families and concerned others who are struggling to deal with a loved one’s drug or alcohol use.
“Alternatively, they can contact the HSE Drugs & Alcohol Helpline. This service provides a free of charge confidential freephone helpline from Monday to Friday between 9.30am to 5.30pm. It can be reached at 1800 459 459 or by emailing .”
