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Press release

Minister Burke welcomes the 19.4% decrease in Drug-Induced Deaths in 2021

Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Colm Burke has today welcomed the publication by the Health Research Board showing a 19.4% decrease in the number of drug-induced deaths in 2021, compared to 2020.

The National Drug Related Deaths Index (NDRDI) shows that there were 85 fewer deaths in 2021 (354) compared to the 2020 figure of 439.

Responding to the findings, Minister Burke said:

"I acknowledge the loss and grief felt by the families bereaved by the death of a loved one. While each life lost is one too many, it is very significant that the number of drug-induced deaths has reduced by almost 20%. I want to thank drug service providers and emergency responders for their work in reducing the harms of drug use through a health-led approach."

Minister Burke added:

"The risk of drug overdose deaths can be further mitigated by getting people into drug treatment and increasing access to naloxone, the antidote for opioid-related overdose. The additional investment in services under the national drugs strategy has increased by 50% the number of cases entering drug treatment (over 13,000 cases in 2023). I have also supported the expansion in drug checking services under the HSE Safer Nightlife Programme. The imminent opening of the supervised injecting facility in Dublin City Centre by the end of the year is another preventative measure."

The Department of Health continues to work closely with the Health Service Executive’s (HSE’s) National Naloxone Oversight Quality Assurance Group, to highlight the benefits of naloxone and also to make naloxone more widely available.

In Budget 2024, €4 million in funding was secured to expand drug services in the community to develop new services for young people with drug dependency and mental health issues. In total the Department of Health and HSE allocates approximately €163 million to drug and alcohol services each year.

Minister Burke added:

"Our National Drugs Strategy and Sharing the Vision, our national mental health policy, recognises that people with a dual diagnosis (experiencing both a substance use problem and mental health issue) should have access to appropriate mental health services and supports. An integral part of the HSE’s Dual Diagnosis Programme was the development of a model of care which describes a clear clinical pathway for all adolescents and adults suspected of having a dual diagnosis covering integration across primary care, substance use, community mental health and acute services. This Model of Care was endorsed by the College of Psychiatrists of Ireland."

Minister Burke concluded:

"I would urge anyone who has concerns regarding their drug use, or that of a loved one, to visit one of the 422 drug services that are available nationally. A map of services is available, which provides easily navigable information on local services for people looking to access services to address their drug or alcohol use, and for families and concerned others who are struggling to deal with a loved one’s drug or alcohol use.

"Alternatively, they can contact the HSE Drugs & Alcohol Helpline. This service provides a free of charge confidential freephone helpline from Monday to Friday between 9.30am to 5.30pm. It can be reached at 1800 459 459 or by emailing helpline@hse.ie."

Notes

National Drug Related Deaths Index

  • the NDRDI is the national database for recording poisoning deaths, deaths among people who use drugs and deaths among people who are alcohol dependent. It was established in 2005 in response to an action in the relevant National Drugs Strategy. It is jointly funded by the Department of Health and Department of Justice and maintained by the Health Research Board
  • the NDRDI uses four sources of information, the main source of the data is from closed coronial files, which the NDRDI team collect in person from each coronial office. Typically, this means that the NDRDI is always published approximately two years in arrears
  • the objective of the NDRDI is to provide information so that the State can respond in a timely way with accurate data on drug-related mortality

Funding for services

  • the department has introduced new initiatives to enhance access to services over the past few years. This includes the Community Services Enhancement Fund (CSEF), introduced in 2022, with a budget of €2 million, to enhance community-based drug and alcohol services under the National Drugs Strategy. Funding is aligned with the emphasis on enhanced community care in the Sláintecare reform programme, which shifts care into the community and closer to people’s homes. Over 50 community-based drug projects are being funded under the CSEF across all Community Healthcare Organisations (CHOs)
  • the department has allocated a total additional €13.5 million in 2023 and 2024 to support existing services and to develop new services in the community. Approximately one third of this funding is allocated to community and voluntary organisations
  • the Department of Health provided an additional €4 million to expand community and residential addiction services under the HSE National Service Plan 2023. A further €3.5 million was provided to maintain existing level of service for community and voluntary providers of drug and inclusion health services
  • under Budget 2024, €800,000 was secured to support the recovery of people with drug dependency and their integration into everyday life, including family, housing, employment and education. It will include peer-based recovery support and coaching, and the development of recovery communities. €2 million was secured to support and expand community-based drug services in conjunction with drug and alcohol task forces and CHOs. This will meet the increased demand for services, improve service design, and strengthen integration with community care

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