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Press release

Minister Murnane O’Connor announces investment in alcohol treatment services in response to growing demand

  • €1.8 million will create 22 new posts for community alcohol services nationwide
  • two new community services will be established, in two health regions to increase capacity to treat problem alcohol use following the growth in demand for treatment.
  • data from the National Drug Treatment Reporting System report on alcohol 2024, published by the Health Research Board shows a 7% rise in treatment cases, with 30% of all cases requiring treatment for polydrug use (alcohol and other drugs)

The Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing, and the National Drugs Strategy, Jennifer Murnane O’Connor, has announced a significant investment in alcohol treatment services. The Department of Health has committed €1 million in 2025, rising to €1.8 million in 2026, to expand and enhance alcohol treatment services across all six Health Service Executive (HSE) health regions for the first time.

The investment reflects the growing demand for alcohol services, as shown in the latest National Drug Treatment Reporting System (NDTRS) data by the Health Research Board (HRB). Figures for 2024 show a 7% increase in the number of cases treated for alcohol use.

Minister Murnane O’Connor said:

"This investment marks a major step forward in the government’s response to problem alcohol use. By expanding community services across all HSE health regions for the first time, we will ensure that there is equitable access across all locations and that treatment services are available when and where they are needed.

"The HRB report on alcohol treatment demand published today highlights the challenge of problem alcohol use and the societal need to reduce alcohol consumption from a public health perspective.

"I am also conscious of the risk of hidden harm for children and other family members arising from problem alcohol use. We need a holistic response that supports the individual and their family members to address the harms of alcohol dependency.

"I am proud that we are delivering on our commitment to a public health-led approach to drug and alcohol use by ensuring that primary care services are equipped to meet the needs of individuals with alcohol dependency.

"It is my intention that the successor national drug strategy will continue to expand treatment services for problem drug and alcohol use, especially given the pattern of polydrug use involving both alcohol and drugs."

This targeted funding will support the establishment of Integrated Community Alcohol Treatment Services in the HSE Dublin and Midlands and HSE Dublin and South-East regions.

Funding will also facilitate the expansion of existing services in the HSE Dublin and North-East and HSE West and North-West regions, aligning with the geographic restructuring under Sláintecare.

With the addition of these new services, it is intended that there will be nationwide coverage of community alcohol treatment services for the first time.

This investment will create 22 new Whole Time Equivalent (WTE) posts, significantly strengthening the capacity of local services to support individuals and families affected by harmful alcohol use.

The HSE has approved the creation of the new posts, and Regional Health Areas were informed of their allocations on 8 July.

The recruitment process will commence shortly, ensuring that services are in place to meet growing demand.

People looking to access services to address their drug or alcohol use, or that of a loved one, can do so via an interactive map, which details more than 450 drug and alcohol services nationwide.

Anyone concerned about their own or a loved one’s alcohol use is encouraged to seek help. Support is available through GPs, local services, or the Drug and Alcohol Helpline at 1800 459 459. Further information can be found at:

Notes

The newly published National Drug Treatment Reporting System (NDTRS) data from the Health Research Board (HRB) provides evidence of the growth in demand for alcohol treatment services in 2024:

  • 8,745 cases were treated for problem alcohol use – a 7% increase from 2023
  • 44% of those treated were new cases, while 52% had been previously treated
  • 63% of all cases were treated in outpatient settings
  • the median age at which individuals began drinking was 16 years
  • 56% of all cases were classified as alcohol dependent
  • among new cases, 52% were alcohol dependent; among previously treated cases, this rose to 61%

The Public Health (Alcohol) Act 2018 aims to reduce alcohol consumption and its associated harms. Measures include:

  • minimum unit pricing
  • restrictions on advertising and promotions
  • structural separation of alcohol in retail
  • health labelling on alcohol products (effective from 22 May 2028)

The HSE Alcohol Programme supports these goals through public education and services, including the Ask About Alcohol campaign, which promotes healthier choices and provides evidence-based information.

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