National Drug Strategy

The National Drugs Strategy 2026-2030

The purpose of the strategy is to deliver “an integrated, equitable and evidence-based response to the harms of drug and alcohol use.”It builds on the previous drugs strategy, Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery, which was independently evaluated in 2025.

The strategy sets out five strategic pillars, including protection from harm, provision of quality treatment services, promotion of recovery, prioritisation of health supports over criminal sanctions, and preparedness for global drug threats. 

The strategy places a strong emphasis on local and regional implementation. Drug and Alcohol Task Forces, local authorities, HSE Health Regions, Tusla, An Garda Síochána, the Probation Service, the Irish Prison Service, youth services, schools, Higher Education Institutions, sporting bodies and community networks will all be important in translating national priorities into practical action. Their role will include identifying local needs, supporting integrated care pathways, strengthening referral arrangements, promoting prevention and early intervention, and ensuring that responses are adapted to the realities of different communities and population groups.

The Citizens’ Assembly recommended the rollout and resourcing of the Drug Related Intimidation and Violence Engagement (DRIVE) project, which is a multi-agency initiative to respond to drug-related-intimidation and violence between Drug and Alcohol Task Forces, An Garda Síochána and community services.

Other criminal justice issues linked to drugs include recruitment and exploitation of children by drug gangs. As well as criminal sanctions on the perpetrators, alternative pathways for vulnerable young people should be expanded. Both the Citizens’ Assembly and the Joint Committee recommended the strengthening of community-based youth work through increased ringfenced and multi-annual funding, ensuring that restorative justice and diversion initiatives are supported. 

Tackling trafficking networks for illicit drugs is a major focus of the EU Drugs Strategy. This incorporates three priorities – law enforcement and judicial cooperation, an action plan against drug trafficking, and combatting the production of synthetic drugs. The implementation of these priorities is coordinated by the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, An Garda Síochána and the Revenue Commissioners. While large scale seizures receive public attention, the impact of drug markets is felt most keenly at the local level, especially in disadvantaged areas. The collateral impact of the drugs market is visible in the social costs for communities and the activities of criminal networks that finance and supply drugs. Greater effort is required to mitigate the impact of drugs on local communities, as part of a coordinated response between government bodies, Drug and Alcohol Task Forces and community and voluntary organisations.

An Garda Síochána will be responsible for the implementation and delivery of a number of actions and sub-actions under the Action Plan 2026-2028 National Drugs Strategy, along with relevant agencies which include following:

• Prevent and delay the onset of drug and alcohol use among children and young people through interventions delivered in educational, youth and community settings.
• Enhance services to address hidden harm for children, young people and families impacted by parental and familial drug and alcohol use.
• Develop drug and alcohol prevention strategies in Higher Education Institutions (HEI), sporting and recreational settings.
• Naloxone.
• Monitor and evaluate the Health Referral Scheme for people found in possession of drugs for personal use and review the Adult Caution Scheme to consider the inclusion of other drugs.
• Expand assertive case management for people who use drugs in public places in contact with the criminal justice system.
• Disrupt child criminal exploitation in the drugs trade and expand the availability of alternative pathways for young people at risk.
• Expand drug monitoring and drug checking mechanisms.
• Implement timely and effective strategies and legislation to control the availability and use of psychoactive drugs, in particular nitrous oxide and synthetic cannabinoids.
• Support interventions which reduce the supply of illicit drugs and mitigate their impact in communities.
• Support interventions which reduce the supply of illicit drugs and mitigate their impact in communities.
• Respond to emerging drug trends and communicate effectively on drug related threats to public health.
• Expand supports for individuals and families affected by drug-related intimidation and violence.
• Support interventions which reduce the supply of illicit drugs and mitigate their impact in communities. 

An Garda Síochána’s continued support and cooperation is vital to initiatives under the National Drugs Strategy. An Garda Síochána will also be responsible for the implementation and delivery of a number of actions and sub-actions under the Action Plan 2026-2028 National Drugs Strategy, along with relevant agencies.

The Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (DOCB) will have oversight over the National Drugs Strategy 2026-2030 in so far as An Garda Síochána is concerned.