Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Programme for Government 2025: Securing Ireland’s Future sets out the Government's commitment to a health-led approach to drug use. The key actions to support this commitment include assessing the outcomes of the national drug strategy; publication of a new strategy; diverting those found in possession of drugs for personal use to health services, which is a matter the Senator is passionate about; increasing funding for drug treatment services; and launching a major awareness campaign on the impact of drugs on society.

To support the implementation of the new strategy, I will shortly announce details of an additional €4.2 million to be provided under budget 2025. This new funding will enhance access to delivery of drug and alcohol services in the community and strengthen the prevention of drug and alcohol use among children and young people to minimise the harms of drug use for families and communities. There is not a family or someone they know that has not been touched by drugs. It is important that we get this right. I thank the Senator for raising this question with me.