Press Release: Thursday 26 February 2026
Minister Murnane O’Connor launches public consultation on the draft national drugs strategy
The Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Jennifer Murnane O’Connor TD has launched a public consultation on the draft national drugs strategy.
The consultation aims to capture a wide range of views, including from those with lived and living experience of drug use and those involved in the provision of services, recognising that Ireland’s response to drug use requires a comprehensive, whole-of-society approach. The consultation will be open for six weeks until 10 April 2026.
Upon completion of the public consultation, a report will be produced for consideration of the Steering Group tasked with drafting the strategy. This report will subsequently be published.
Minister Murnane O’Connor said:
“I am committed to delivering a strong, future-proof national drugs strategy that supports us to respond to the ever-changing challenges posed by drug use and harmful alcohol consumption.
“It is essential that this strategy is informed by the unique insights of people who use drugs, their families, communities, and those who plan and deliver essential services. Their perspectives are critical in helping us to shape how we respond to emerging drug trends, how we prioritise prevention and how we can ensure faster, fairer access to quality integrated healthcare for anyone dealing with drug-related harm.
“I recently published a draft of the strategy, and I’m now encouraging members of the public to have their say. By sharing your opinions and perspectives via the public consultation, you can help to ensure that the final strategy can effectively respond to drug use through a comprehensive health-led approach.”
The draft strategy sets out a vision for a society where individuals, families and communities are protected from harms associated with drug use and harmful alcohol consumption. It priorities prevention, addressing health and social needs, and promotes equitable access to quality, person-centred, integrated healthcare and recovery services.
The public consultation is the final phase in a series of extensive stakeholder engagements aimed at securing a wide range of perspectives on the approach to reducing drug-related harms.