Tueday, Oct 13 — the Department of Health has launched their National Drugs Strategy 2026-2030: setting out Ireland’s approach to preventing and reducing drug and alcohol harm over the next five years.
We welcome that the Strategy takes on board recommendations made by Pavee Point during the consultation process and explicitly names marginalised groups, including Travellers, regarding equality of access, participation and outcomes to drug and alcohol services, and addressing the social determinants of health. It is to be welcomed that the Strategy also recognises the expertise of the community sector and of working in partnership.
In last week’s Budget, the Department of Health allocated €8.5million in funding towards the National Drugs Strategy 2026-2030, with €7million of this going towards the commencement of the implementation of the National Drugs Strategy, and €1.5million going towards the expansion of existing initiatives. It is essential that targeted and ringfenced funding for Travellers is included in this allocation, where data shows an over-representation amongst Travellers seeking drug and alcohol treatment services .
A full analysis to follow.
Read: National Drugs Strategy 2026-2030 & Action Plan 2026-2028 here