Minister Feighan welcomes publication of the National Drug and Alcohol Survey 2019/20 by the Health

• a reduction in the use of cannabis and a significant decrease in the instances of Cannabis Use Disorder recorded
• the majority of respondents, 70.9%, expressing disapproval or strong disapproval for smoking cannabis regularly
• the findings of the National Drug and Alcohol Survey will assist in ongoing policy development through the mid-term review of the National Drugs Strategy

Frank Feighan TD, Minister of State for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy has welcomed the publication by the Health Research Board of the National Drug and Alcohol Survey 2019/20, and the decrease in the use of cannabis and the instances of Cannabis Use Disorder when compared to the 2014/15 survey.

The National Drug and Alcohol Survey (previously referred to as the Drug Use in Ireland and Northern Ireland Drug Prevalence Survey) is funded by the Department of Health and managed by the Health Research Board. The survey provides information on alcohol, tobacco, and drug use amongst the general population in Ireland. It also looks at attitudes and perceptions of drug, alcohol and tobacco use and the impact on communities.

The Department of Health has commenced a mid-term review of the actions in the National Drugs Strategy in consultation with stakeholders. The review will provide an opportunity to reflect on progress in implementing the strategy to date, the progress achieved under the current action plan and allow the identification of any new issues that have arisen and to consider the development of new actions to address emerging needs and challenges. The National Drug and Alcohol Survey provides important and timely data regarding drug use in Ireland, which will assist in ongoing policy development through the mid-term review.

Minster Feighan said:

"I welcome the publication of National Drug and Alcohol Survey which provides us with up-to-date evidence to guide our ongoing policy development and service delivery. The publication of this important survey will play a key role in guiding the path forward and highlighting those areas which require our attention."

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Source: The Department of Health, 01/07/21