Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor TD has approved the creation of six dedicated drug prevention lead posts across all Health Service Executive (HSE) Health Regions. The administrative measure was announced during the opening of the 2026 European Society for Prevention Research (EUSPR) conference in Dublin, an official event held as part of Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

The structural update coincides with the publication of a landmark baseline evaluation assessing Ireland's drug prevention capacity. Developed by the Health Research Board (HRB) alongside the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the report establishes Ireland's national baseline on drug prevention to guide future policy, funding allocations, and local service delivery.

Co-hosted by the Department of Health and the HRB, the EUSPR conference brings together researchers, policymakers, and practitioners around the theme "Innovation in Prevention to Support Health Equity". The conference program focuses on leveraging scientific advances, including personalized prevention and modern technology, to foster equitable health outcomes across Europe.

Speaking at the event, Minister Murnane O'Connor emphasized the strategic importance of early intervention, noting that evidence-based investment in quality prevention significantly reduces the overall burden of ill health, crime, and addiction while delivering long-term savings to the Exchequer.

The six new HSE regional leads will oversee the implementation of standardized prevention frameworks within their respective Health Regions, strengthening coordination between national health policy, local drug and alcohol task forces, and community service providers.