Press Release: Wednesday 16 September 2026
Minister Murnane O’Connor opens European Society for Prevention Research conference 2026 and publishes report on drug prevention in Ireland
The Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Jennifer Murnane O’Connor TD has opened the European Society for Prevention Research conference 2026 and published a new report assessing Ireland’s approach to drug prevention.
The Minister has approved the establishment of a drug prevention lead post in each of the six HSE Health Regions and highlighted the importance of research in guiding more effective approaches to preventing non-communicable diseases and ill health. She also emphasised the value of the conference in supporting prevention efforts in Ireland and across Europe.
The conference is an official event of the Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU and is co-hosted by the Department of Health and the Health Research Board (HRB), strengthening collaboration between prevention research, policy and practice.
The conference theme, “Innovation in Prevention to Support Health Equity”, recognises that evidence-based prevention interventions are critical to ensure that people have fair opportunities and the support they need to live healthy lives. The theme also highlights scientific advances, including technologies such as AI and personalised prevention, as well as conceptual innovation, including links between climate and health, to support equitable prevention for all.
Speaking at the event, Minister Murnane O’Connor said:
“I am a strong believer in the value of evidence-based prevention and early intervention. We know from the evidence that investment in quality prevention can significantly reduce the burden of ill health, crime and addiction in our communities. This can also deliver long-term savings to the Exchequer.”
The Minister highlighted the value of holding the conference as an official Presidency event and its role in sharing best practice and new evidence on effective prevention.
The Minister added:
“I believe this is the first time the EUSPR conference has been held as an official EU Presidency event. This will help underline the value of prevention at a political level.”
“This conference plays an important role in developing and supporting a network of people working in prevention. It is encouraging to see so many Irish experts and practitioners here today and represented on the conference programme.
“I am sure there will be valuable learning over the next three days, and I hope that learning will be translated into action here in Ireland, across Europe and further afield.”
The Minister also announced the publication of a report titled ‘Review of Prevention Systems in Ireland’. Commissioned by the Department of Health and the HRB, the report uses a tool developed by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime to assess prevention interventions against the International Standards on Drug Use Prevention. It also examines how prevention is coordinated across relevant policy areas and sectors.
Minister Murnane O’Connor said:
“I am committed to increasing investment in interventions and programmes that can improve health and help move people away from unhealthy behaviours. I am pleased to announce the publication of an important report that will inform our prevention policy and the actions of our National Drugs Strategy. I want to thank Professor Ross MacMillan from the University of Limerick, the HRB and UNODC for their work on developing this report, along with the HSE and our drug and alcohol task forces for their guidance.”
The Minister added:
“To support the implementation of the recommendations of this report, I have approved the establishment of a drug prevention lead post in each of the six HSE Health Regions to drive this work forward and ensure that drug prevention is delivered in line with best practice.”
Commenting on the event and report launch, HRB Chief Executive, Dr Gráinne Gorman, said:
“I’m delighted that the Health Research Board and the Department of Health are hosting this important international research conference as part of the Irish Presidency of the EU. Prevention is vital to the policy response to substance use, and this conference, which presents the most recent evidence in this field, will be a major boost to this in Ireland.
“We are particularly proud that HRB’s review of prevention services in Ireland will be published here today. Prepared in close collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, it will establish a solid baseline for our prevention capacity in the new National Drugs Strategy.”
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime congratulated Ireland on the publication of the report and said effective prevention depends on the application of science, breaking down silos and working together as a system. It said Ireland has set an important model within the European Union by analysing its prevention system and laying a forward-looking foundation to help ensure that every child and young person can grow up safe, supported and empowered, while helping to prevent drug use, violence, crime and exploitation by criminal groups.