A draft version of the next national drugs strategy firmly signals a move to a health approach to the drugs issue — with noticeably less emphasis on the role of justice or the gardaí. Also part of the realignment in the draft National Drugs Strategy 2026–2029 appears to be a distinct watering down, if not absence, of an economic analysis of the issue. The draft strategy does say it is "also supportive" of a key pillar in the EU Drugs Strategy — to improve security and protect society by “addressing drug production and trafficking”. The previous drugs strategy (albeit twice as long as the draft) mentioned the word ‘garda’ 55 times, while the draft refers to 'garda' on 11 occasions. The draft strategy is going out for public consultation.

Source: Irish Examiner February 10, 2026 05:40 UTC