Press Release: Thursday 6 February 2025
Minister Murnane O’Connor launches new study of non-fatal drug overdose that identifies key trends, high-risk populations and service gaps
Minister of State with responsibility for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Jennifer Murnane O’Connor, has today launched a report titled ‘Non-Fatal Overdose: A Decade-Long Analysis of Inner City Hospitals and Nationwide Trends Across Ireland (2011-2021)’, authored by researchers in Trinity College Dublin.
The research was commissioned by the Government-established North East Inner City (NEIC) Initiative, which is chaired by Mr. Jim Gavin. It analyses the circumstances of 786 overdoses in two Dublin hospitals over a ten-year period. The research provides additional new evidence to better understand the factors linked to drug overdoses.
The study found that Dublin’s inner city remains a hotspot for non-fatal drug overdose, driven by socio-economic challenges, limited access to long-term supports and the high prevalence of opioid use.
The research makes recommendations on access to services, harm reduction strategies and interventions that can prevent tragic outcomes. The recommendations are timely in light of the development of the new National Drugs Strategy, and will be considered in the formation of policy in this area.
Minister Murnane O’Connor said:
“First and foremost, I would like to acknowledge the loss and grief felt by the families bereaved by the death of a loved one due to drug overdose.”
“Society must do more to prevent fatal and non-fatal drug overdose. Early intervention is the key. My role as a drugs policy maker is to support and resource the harm reduction work of frontline staff, so that we can intervene earlier to reduce drug overdose and to prevent its fatal consequences.
“One such intervention is the Supervised Injecting Facility, which opened in Dublin city centre at the end of December. The primary purpose of the facility is overdose prevention. Since this facility opened six weeks ago, it has had 664 visits, from over 196 individuals. Staff at the facility have intervened in 15 overdoses in this time, none of which required hospital transfer.
“I thank the NEIC and the North Inner City Drug and Alcohol Task Force for publishing this important study and I acknowledge drug service providers and emergency responders for their commitment to reducing the harms of drug use.”
Lead author, Professor Jo-Hanna Ivers, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin said:
“This report highlights the scale and complexity of Ireland’s rising overdose issue. While we have made progress in treatment, evolving drug trends require targeted, evidence-based responses. Expanding psychological and social supports, increasing naloxone distribution, and improving coordination across services, particularly from hospitals to specialist services are critical to preventing overdoses and saving lives.”
Chair of the North Inner City Dublin Taskforce, Dr Austin O Carroll added:
“There is no recognised health intervention for people who present to health services following a non-fatal overdose. Yet many go on to die subsequently from fatal overdose. This is a tragedy. This research is the first step in helping people who are overdosing to address their addiction and reduce their risk of dying from subsequent fatal overdose.”
Chair of the NEIC initiative Jim Gavin said:
“A key driving force for the North East Inner City (NEIC) Initiative since its establishment is to address drug-related harms in the community. It is important that we document these tragic events, understand the circumstances in which they occur and learn how they can be prevented. An important part of our understanding of drug overdose is non-fatal overdose, which serve as an early indicator for possible fatal overdose. Having a national perspective is important because what is happening in Dublin inner city is also relevant across the country.”