Health Committee to receive update on the National Drugs Strategy from Minister of State Frank Feighan

The Joint Committee on Health will meet tomorrow, Wednesday January 19th, to receive an update on the National Drugs Strategy from the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Frank Feighan.

Minister Feighan will appear virtually at the Committee meeting at 9:30 in Committee Room 2 of Leinster House.

Jim Walsh, Principal Officer in the Drugs Policy and Social Inclusion Unit in the Department of Health and Dr Eamon Keenan, the National Clinical Lead for Addiction in the HSE will also attend the meeting.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy Seán Crowe said: “The Committee welcomes the opportunity to hear from Minister Feighan and to discuss the National Drugs Strategy 2021-2025.”

“This will be the first time the Minister has appeared before the Committee and comes as he recently set out new strategic priorities for the year ahead.”

“The Department of Health published its mid-term review of the National Drugs Strategy in November 2021 and the progress it has made to date between 2017 to 2020.”

“The review found that there are significant costs for society linked to drug use on the economy, society and the criminal justice system.”

“Based on the review, six strategic priorities for the National Drugs Strategy for 2021-2025 have been identified which will strengthen the health-led approach, align with the EU Drugs Strategy and Action Plan for 2021-2025 and focus on strengthening partnerships between community, statutory and voluntary bodies.”

“Towards the end of last year, the Committee heard from representatives from the Tallaght Drugs and Alcohol Taskforce about the explosion of crack cocaine use among women in Dublin and about their request for more funding for community led drug projects which is reflected in the Strategy.”

“We look forward to discussing these and other issues with the Minister and Department of Health and HSE representatives at the meeting.”

Watch Committee proceedings live here.