Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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901. To ask the Minister for Health if the Health Research Board drugs and alcohol behavioural study will be published. [21341/21]

Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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The National Drug and Alcohol Survey is a general population survey of households to measure the extent and pattern of drug use among a representative sample of those aged 15 and over in Ireland. The survey is conducted by the Health Research Board.

The completion of the fieldwork for the 2018/2019 survey by a third-party organisation was delayed due to difficulties in recruiting experienced interviewers. The fieldwork was eventually completed in March 2020. It is understood that an analysis of the survey data is now being completed and a that final report will be submitted for approval to the board of the Health Research Board in Q2 2021. Publication of the report will follow soon afterwards.

I look forward to the publication of the report on the National Drug and Alcohol Survey by the Health Research Board. By understanding recent trends in drug and alcohol use, this will allow use to better plan the development of drug and alcohol services. It will also inform the mid-term review of the national drugs strategy and the strategic action plan for 2021-2015.