Latest news with #NDS
Euractiv
18 hours ago
- Health
- Euractiv
Ireland publishes National Drugs Strategy as ministers battle rising cocaine use
Dublin - Ireland's health ministers have released an independent evaluation of the country's National Drugs Strategy (NDS), 'Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery 2017–2025', highlighting progress in harm reduction and international alignment, while also identifying areas for structural reform. The report, commissioned by the Department of Health and conducted by Grant Thornton, assesses the strategy across four key domains: impact, governance, performance, and coherence with international policy frameworks. It fulfils a commitment made in the Programme for Government and arrives as policymakers prepare to draft a successor strategy by the end of 2025. The evaluation finds that the NDS has made 'notable progress in advancing a health-led approach,' particularly through the expansion of harm reduction measures such as naloxone distribution, needle exchange programmes, and drug-checking services. On governance, the report cites the establishment of strategic implementation groups and enhanced interagency collaboration at the local level as key achievements. These developments, it notes, have enabled 'more responsive and context-sensitive service delivery.' Performance metrics show improved data collection and monitoring. Shifting trends Cocaine emerged as the most common primary drug reported in treatment cases in 2024, underscoring a shift in Ireland's drug use profile. Ireland's latest drug use figures, published in 2025 by the Health Research Board, reveal a shifting landscape in substance use, with cannabis and cocaine remaining the most prevalent illicit drugs. Based on data from the 'Healthy Ireland Survey 2023', 7.8% of adults reported using cannabis in the past year, while cocaine use rose to 4.4%, particularly among those aged 25–34. Sedative and tranquilliser use stood at 2.5%, with higher rates among women and older adults. The report also highlights a rise in polydrug use and a strong correlation between drug use and other risk behaviours, including tobacco and alcohol consumption. EU drug strategy alignment Internationally, the strategy is deemed well-aligned with the EU Drugs Strategy and Action Plan 2021–2025, with Ireland's contributions to early warning systems and multilateral research initiatives receiving particular praise. However, the review also identifies persistent challenges, including fragmented delivery of prevention and early intervention services, and a need for alternatives to coercive sanctions. It outlines 10 strategic recommendations to guide the next phase of policy development. Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill welcomed the report's focus on equity and access, noting alignment with ongoing Sláintecare reforms. 'The establishment of new HSE health regions presents a valuable opportunity to tailor drug treatment services to population needs and to ensure that both existing and new funding is allocated effectively and transparently,' she said. Carroll MacNeill also highlighted the importance of cross-border and EU collaboration: 'The upcoming Irish Presidency of the EU offers a unique opportunity to foster greater collaboration between member states, the EU Drugs Agency, and civil society organisations.' She added, 'Together, we can better address the health and preparedness challenges posed by an evolving and dynamic drugs market.' Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Jennifer Murnane O'Connor reaffirmed her commitment to a health-led approach, including the proposed health diversion scheme. She welcomed 'the strong endorsement in the evaluation of the health-led response to drug use, including the proposed health diversion scheme for people found in possession of drugs for personal use. I am determined that the scheme will commence as soon as possible, in line with the commitments in the Programme for Government.' Next steps Murnane O'Connor announced the formation of a steering group to draft the next strategy. 'It is my ambition that the successor national drugs strategy will further strengthen the health-led approach to drug use by addressing the health and social needs of people who use drugs, reducing the harms for individuals, families and communities associated with drugs, and supporting recovery from drug addiction,' she said. The review's 10 recommendations include enhancing culturally sensitive services, increasing community engagement, aligning service delivery with regional needs, and investing in monitoring and research systems. It also calls for stronger integration of alcohol treatment services and continued development of alternatives to criminal sanctions. The evaluation follows the 2024 report of the Citizens' Assembly on Drug Use, which issued 36 recommendations spanning prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery. These remain under active consideration by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Drug Use and are expected to shape the forthcoming strategy. The EU Drugs Strategy 2021–2025 set out a robust, health-oriented framework to tackle drug-related issues across member states, balancing supply reduction with demand-side interventions. Central to the strategy has been harm reduction, international cooperation, and evidence-based policymaking, underpinned by commitments to human rights, gender equality, and public health. Its strategic goals have included enhancing security, expanding access to treatment, and reinforcing governance structures. The strategy also aligns with UN conventions and supports multilateral engagement. Its foremost priority is the disruption and dismantling of high-risk organised crime groups linked to drug trafficking, particularly those operating within or targeting the EU, and addressing their connections to broader security threats. By Brian Maguire
The Journal
4 days ago
- Health
- The Journal
Drugs strategy review finds staff shortages and service disruption
CONCERNS HAVE BEEN raised around access to drug treatment services and prevention efforts, according to an independent evaluation of the Government's drug strategy. Rural areas, young people and marginalised groups are reported as being 'disproportionately affected' by service discrepancies. Meanwhile, the review found that annual funding arrangements and restrictive hiring policies have contributed to staff shortages and disruptions in service delivery. The National Drug Strategy (NDS) is set out as a national framework for addressing substance use through a 'whole-of-government, person-centred, and health-led' approach that primarily frames substance use as a public health issue. An independent review of the strategy, published today, found that several stakeholders also believe prevention efforts are underdeveloped, inconsistent and lacking national ownership. The report compiled by Grant Thornton notes some progress and achievements but makes 10 recommendations for the future direction of the strategy. The authors consulted with the Health Service Executive (HSE), the Health Research Board (HRB), members of the National Oversight Committee (NOC) and Strategic Implementation Groups (SIG) for the NDS, as well as service users and family members with lived experience of drug use. Based on those engagements, it found that equity of access continues to be a concern, particularly for marginalised groups. Prevention and early intervention efforts were found to be fragmented and inconsistently delivered, while recovery and service user involvement requires further formalisation and resourcing. Additionally, the limited integration of alcohol policy and the 'gradual implementation of legal reforms', such as alternative sanctions, were identified as areas requiring strategic refinement. Meanwhile, governance structures were found to lack clearly defined roles, mandates, and accountability mechanisms. Stakeholders highlighted the need for strong national leadership, enhanced co-ordination across departments, and more inclusive decision-making processes that incorporate lived experience of service users. Advertisement There were also calls for enhanced data integration and the establishment of a national research and evaluation centre. The report also details claims of inconsistent reporting from all treatment providers which is further constraining the ability to assess the strategy's effectiveness. Stakeholders reported that high attrition rates have been observed in different regions due to factors including limited funding. There were repeated calls by some stakeholders for multi-annual funding commitments and targeted workforce investment to support more consistent and sustainable service provision. Prevention efforts were widely viewed as 'under-resourced and lacking strategic focus'. There was an emphasis on the need for early, community-based interventions that address root causes, such as trauma, poverty, and social disadvantage. Evidence shows that early life experiences significantly influence later substance use. The SPHE programme in schools was repeatedly cited for its inconsistent delivery. Many stakeholders also felt that the NDS lacked clarity and strategic direction regarding alcohol addiction. The Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill said it is 'essential' to assess how the more than 300 million euro in annual public expenditure on drugs delivers impact. She said: 'The establishment of new HSE health regions presents a valuable opportunity to tailor drug treatment services to population needs and to ensure that both existing and new funding is allocated effectively and transparently.' Meanwhile, Minister of State with responsibility for the National Drugs Strategy, Jennifer Murnane O'Connor, said: 'We have made significant progress in implementing the national drugs strategy, and I'm pleased that the independent evaluation documents the many achievements over the last eight years.' She added: 'The recommendations from the independent evaluation will inform the development of the successor National Drugs Strategy. We need to move forward with new policies and better services to address the ever-changing drugs situation.'
Irish Independent
4 days ago
- Health
- Irish Independent
Drugs strategy review finds staff shortages and disruption as charity urges Government not to abandon alcohol labelling
Rural areas, young people and marginalised groups are reported as being "disproportionately affected" by service discrepancies. Meanwhile, the review found that annual funding arrangements and restrictive hiring policies have contributed to staff shortages and disruptions in service delivery. The National Drug Strategy (NDS) is set out as a national framework for addressing substance use through a "whole-of-government, person-centred, and health-led" approach that primarily frames substance use as a public health issue. An independent review of the strategy, published on Monday, found that several stakeholders also believe prevention efforts are underdeveloped, inconsistent and lacking national ownership. The report compiled by Grant Thornton notes some progress and achievements but makes 10 recommendations for the future direction of the strategy. The authors consulted with the Health Service Executive (HSE), the Health Research Board (HRB), members of the National Oversight Committee (NOC) and Strategic Implementation Groups (SIG) for the NDS, as well as service users and family members with lived experience of drug use. Based on those engagements, it found that equity of access continues to be a concern, particularly for marginalised groups. Prevention and early intervention efforts were found to be fragmented and inconsistently delivered, while recovery and service user involvement requires further formalisation and resourcing. Additionally, the limited integration of alcohol policy and the "gradual implementation of legal reforms", such as alternative sanctions, were identified as areas requiring strategic refinement. Meanwhile, governance structures were found to lack clearly defined roles, mandates, and accountability mechanisms. ADVERTISEMENT Stakeholders highlighted the need for strong national leadership, enhanced co-ordination across departments, and more inclusive decision-making processes that incorporate lived experience of service users. There were also calls for enhanced data integration and the establishment of a national research and evaluation centre. The report also details claims of inconsistent reporting from all treatment providers which is further constraining the ability to assess the strategy's effectiveness. Stakeholders reported that high attrition rates have been observed in different regions due to factors including limited funding. There were repeated calls by some stakeholders for multi-annual funding commitments and targeted workforce investment to support more consistent and sustainable service provision. Prevention efforts were widely viewed as "under-resourced and lacking strategic focus". There was an emphasis on the need for early, community-based interventions that address root causes, such as trauma, poverty, and social disadvantage. Evidence shows that early life experiences significantly influence later substance use. The SPHE programme in schools was repeatedly cited for its inconsistent delivery. Many stakeholders also felt that the NDS lacked clarity and strategic direction regarding alcohol addiction. The Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill said it is "essential" to assess how the more than 300 million euro in annual public expenditure on drugs delivers impact. She said: "The establishment of new HSE health regions presents a valuable opportunity to tailor drug treatment services to population needs and to ensure that both existing and new funding is allocated effectively and transparently." Meanwhile, Minister of State with responsibility for the National Drugs Strategy, Jennifer Murnane O'Connor, said: "We have made significant progress in implementing the national drugs strategy, and I'm pleased that the independent evaluation documents the many achievements over the last eight years." She added: "The recommendations from the independent evaluation will inform the development of the successor National Drugs Strategy. We need to move forward with new policies and better services to address the ever-changing drugs situation." Alcohol Action Ireland welcomed the publication of the independent evaluation. Data included in the report shows that alcohol remains Ireland's largest drug problem by far. 73pc of the population currently consume alcohol compared with 7.3pc using any illegal drugs. While there has been some reduction in the level of alcohol use by children, the report also points to high levels of hazardous and binge drinking by international standards particularly among men, the charity said. The report also notes the high level of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) in the population with 20pc of drinkers having an AUD – approximately 600,000 people in Ireland. AAI's CEO, Dr Sheila Gilheany said: "Alcohol is Ireland's largest drug problem with health impacts on individuals including cancer, heart disease and liver disease as well serious mental problems such as depression, anxiety, addiction and tragically also suicide. "There are also many issues for families, particularly for the hundreds of thousands of children growing up with alcohol harm in the home – a trauma which can last a lifetime. "Alcohol also places a heavy burden on the State with costs of at least €12 billion annually arising from health, justice and loss of workplace productivity. "Despite these well recognised issues, alcohol policy in Ireland remains disjointed and often contradictory with some government departments seeking to enhance alcohol consumption through supports for the alcohol industry and pushing back against the well-evidenced measures from the Department of Health. "Never has this been clearer than in the past few weeks with some cabinet ministers putting extreme pressure on the Minister for Health to delay the long-planned for introduction of alcohol health information labelling. "Often using spurious arguments from the alcohol industry while pointing to the modest improvements in some aspects of alcohol consumption as a reason to abandon the well-evidenced policies rather than strengthening these policies. "Abandoning labelling at this point would be particularly shocking and foolish, given the labels are already appearing on multiple products in shops across Ireland. Multiple health organisations, clinicians and advocates across Ireland and internationally have contacted the Minister and the Taoiseach in recent weeks to express their alarm at any such derailment of what is long settled policy.'
Irish Examiner
4 days ago
- Health
- Irish Examiner
'Young people and rural areas let down by lack of drug treatment and prevention services'
Concerns have been raised around access to drug treatment services and prevention efforts, according to an independent evaluation of the Government's drug strategy. Rural areas, young people, and marginalised groups are reported as being 'disproportionately affected' by service discrepancies. Meanwhile, the review found that annual funding arrangements and restrictive hiring policies have contributed to staff shortages and disruptions in service delivery. The national drug strategy (NDS) is set out as a national framework for addressing substance use through a 'whole-of-Government, person-centred, and health-led' approach that primarily frames substance use as a public health issue. An independent review of the strategy, published on Monday, has found that several stakeholders also believe prevention efforts are underdeveloped, inconsistent, and lacking national ownership. The report, compiled by Grant Thornton, notes some progress and achievements, but makes 10 recommendations for the future direction of the strategy. The 10 strategic recommendations Improve the right to health for people who use drugs, providing culturally-sensitive and appropriate services for all groups. Increase community engagement and involvement from people who use these services, ensuring that they are central to policy-making and service design. Align service delivery with regional priorities, working with Health Regions to ensure that the implementation of a future drugs strategy and allocation of resources are appropriate to the local population needs. Maintain and strengthen coordination and communication between the oversight structures of the National Drugs Strategy. Establish mechanisms for interdepartmental collaboration, reflecting the need for systemic alignment across housing, justice and health sectors. Continue to strengthen alternatives to coercive sanctions for those found in possession of drugs for personal use, such as the Health Diversion Scheme and community liaison roles. Ensure equitable access to peer-led recovery services and develop national standards for recovery pathways. Strengthen prevention and early intervention initiatives across sectors. Strengthen the integration of alcohol within the national drugs strategy, rolling out integrated treatment services to enhance service delivery. Invest in monitoring, evaluation and research systems to support evidence-based policy and accountability. The authors consulted with the HSE, the health research board, members of the national oversight committee and strategic implementation groups for the NDS, as well as service users and family members with experience of drug use. Based on those engagements, it found that equity of access continues to be a concern, particularly for marginalised groups. Prevention and early intervention efforts were found to be fragmented and inconsistently delivered, while recovery and service-user involvement requires further formalisation and resourcing. Additionally, the limited integration of alcohol policy and the 'gradual implementation of legal reforms', such as alternative sanctions, were identified as requiring strategic refinement. Governance structures Meanwhile, governance structures were found to lack clearly defined roles, mandates, and accountability mechanisms. Stakeholders highlighted the need for strong national leadership, enhanced co-ordination across departments, and more inclusive decision-making processes that incorporate lived experience of service users. There were also calls for enhanced data integration and the establishment of a national research and evaluation centre. The report also details claims of inconsistent reporting from all treatment providers, which is further constraining the ability to assess the strategy's effectiveness. Stakeholders reported that high attrition rates have been observed in different regions due to factors that include limited funding. Multi-annual funding There were repeated calls by some stakeholders for multi-annual funding commitments and targeted workforce investment to support more consistent and sustainable service provision. Prevention efforts were widely viewed as 'under-resourced and lacking strategic focus'. There was an emphasis on the need for early, community-based interventions that address root causes such as trauma, poverty, and social disadvantage. Evidence shows that early-life experiences significantly influence later substance use. The social, personal, and health education programme in schools was repeatedly cited for its inconsistent delivery. Alcohol addiction Many stakeholders also felt that the NDS lacked clarity and strategic direction regarding alcohol addiction. Health minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill said it is 'essential' to assess how the more than €300 million in annual public expenditure on drugs delivers impact. She said: The establishment of new HSE health regions presents a valuable opportunity to tailor drug treatment services to population needs and to ensure that both existing and new funding is allocated effectively and transparently. Meanwhile, the minister of State with responsibility for the National Drugs Strategy, Jennifer Murnane O'Connor, said: 'We have made significant progress in implementing the national drugs strategy, and I'm pleased that the independent evaluation documents the many achievements over the last eight years.' She added: 'The recommendations from the independent evaluation will inform the development of the successor National Drugs Strategy. "We need to move forward with new policies and better services to address the ever-changing drugs situation.'
Time of India
5 days ago
- Time of India
Garbage offenders up, Laxmi Nagar tops NMC's shame list
1 2 Nagpur: Days after Nagpur slipped to 27th rank among million-plus cities in Swachh Survekshan 2024 rankings announced on Thursday, fresh data from Nagpur Municipal Corporation's nuisance detection squad (NDS) has laid bare the city's entrenched problem of civic indiscipline and ineffective enforcement. From January 1 to June 30, 2025, the NDS team led by Virsen Tambe penalised 4,487 violators and collected Rs25.43 lakh in fines for garbage dumping in open, improper waste disposal by hotels and vendors, and other hygiene violations. Despite the decline in absolute numbers from previous years, the mid-year total already exceeds 40% of last year's annual count, suggesting another dismal year ahead for Nagpur's sanitation record. At the heart of this problem lies Laxmi Nagar, which has consistently emerged as the worst-performing zone in terms of civic discipline. In just six months this year, the zone recorded 1,141 cases and Rs5.43 lakh in penalties — far ahead of any other zone. Over the past three years, Laxmi Nagar logged 4,310 cases in 2022, 3,692 in 2023, and 2,675 in 2024, topping NMC's shame list. Other zones with significant offences this year include Mangalwari (917 cases, Rs4.67 lakh), Gandhibagh (491 cases, Rs3.02 lakh), and Hanuman Nagar (480 cases, Rs2.38 lakh). by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy the Dip: Top 5 Dividend Stocks with Growth Potential Seeking Alpha Read More Undo Meanwhile, Satranjipura zone, with only 70 violations and Rs8,800 in fines, appears to be the most compliant — or perhaps the least monitored. The offenders are a mix of citizens throwing household waste in open spaces, shopkeepers not segregating garbage, and vendors — particularly meat, chicken, and vegetable sellers — who litter streets near markets. Despite routine inspections, civic officials admit that many repeat violators treat the fines as a negligible cost of doing business. A year-wise comparison shows a steady decline in enforcement. NMC penalised 13,634 offenders in 2022 (Rs80.5 lakh), 14,011 in 2023 (Rs71.6 lakh), and 10,681 in 2024 (Rs54.4 lakh). The first half of 2025 alone has seen over Rs25 lakh in fines, raising questions about both citizen apathy and the administration's ability to drive behavioural change. A senior health officer remarked, "We're trying our best with the limited manpower. But unless there's public ownership of cleanliness, Nagpur cannot improve." The consistent non-compliance in key zones, especially those with higher income and education levels, points to a deeper failure of civic responsibility rather than mere ignorance. As monsoon aggravates hygiene risks and festivals approach, NMC faces a fresh challenge: enforcing discipline in a city where awareness drives have failed, and penalties are proving to be no deterrent.
