Minister Delivers Keynote Address and Launches ACI Strategic Plan at Annual Event and AGM 2026
We were delighted to welcome Minister Jennifer Murnane O’Connor, Minister of State for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, to our Annual Event and AGM at the Talbot Hotel, Carlow, on Saturday, 6th June, where she delivered the keynote address and officially launched ACI’s Strategic Plan 2026–2029.
In her address, the Minister recognised the important contribution of addiction professionals, including Addiction Counsellors, Addiction Workers, and Clinical Supervisors working across statutory, community, and voluntary settings. She highlighted the importance of strengthening professional standards, supporting the workforce, and ensuring high-quality services for people affected by substance use issues.
She said:
“ACI’s strategic plan is timely in view of the changing nature of drug use, new and emerging drug trends, increased demand for services and the need to train and retain staff to help people with substance use issues on the road to recovery.”
Recognition of Addiction Professionals and ACI's Expanding Role
The Minister welcomed the introduction of ACI accreditation for Addiction Workers as an important development, noting that it brings greater oversight, supports safety and standards in addiction services, and contributes to the recognition of workers across the sector.
She also noted that ACI’s expanded support for Addiction Workers demonstrates the organisation’s enhanced reach and the relevance of its role within the addiction sector, including its involvement in the ongoing oversight and monitoring of the new National Drugs Strategy.
National Drugs Strategy
The Minister provided an update on the development of the National Drugs Strategy 2026–2029, An Integrated, Equitable and Evidence-Based Response to Drug and Harmful Alcohol Use, which was published in draft form in February 2026.
She noted that the public consultation process has now concluded and that all submissions will be carefully considered as the strategy is finalised. The Minister also outlined ongoing work to review regional governance arrangements for the delivery of the strategy, including alignment with the HSE Health Regions.
The Minister noted that the finalised strategy will reflect the Government’s ongoing commitment to reducing harms through a health-led approach and indicated that she expects to receive the finalised strategy in July 2026.
Responding to Growing Demand
Drawing on recent data from the National Drug Treatment Reporting System (NDTRS), the Minister highlighted the increasing demand for drug treatment services, noting that a record 15,422 cases presented for treatment for problem drug use in 2025. She noted that the changing nature of drug use, alongside growing demand for services in rural areas and among people in employment, highlights the need for services to remain flexible in responding to evolving needs.
The Minister also referenced the recent Pobal study, An Exploration of the Relationship Between Addiction Treatment and Geographic Disadvantage, which highlighted the strong link between disadvantage and drug-related harm.
She emphasised the importance of workforce planning and welcomed the emphasis in ACI’s Strategic Plan 2026–2029 on strengthening professional standards to support quality outcomes for people affected by addiction.
ACI Strategic Plan 2026–2029
In concluding her address, the Minister welcomed ACI's commitment to supporting Addiction Counsellors and Addiction Workers as central stakeholders within the sector, recognising their critical role in delivering high-quality, evidence-based interventions across a range of settings. She also welcomed the Strategic Plan's focus on strengthening membership and professional supports, expanding access to continuing professional development, and enhancing ACI's role in representing and advocating for addiction professionals at a national level.
Looking Ahead
As ACI looks ahead to the next phase of its development, the Strategic Plan 2026–2029 provides a clear pathway for strengthening member support and continuing to advance the role of addiction professionals within the sector.
We are grateful to Minister Jennifer Murnane O’Connor for launching the Strategic Plan and for recognising the valuable contribution of those working across addiction services to support individuals, families, and communities affected by addiction.
