College of Psychiatrists of Ireland

Lobbying Organisation College of Psychiatrists of Ireland

Date published 21 Apr, 2026

Relevant Matter Public policy or programme

Public Policy Area Health

Period 1 Jan. 2026 to 30 Apr. 2026

Specific Details The College sent Minister Jennifer Murnane O’Connor a letter requesting a meeting with her on the National Drug Strategy on 11 December 2025. Also sent was a submission outlining the College’s key recommendations for the NDS. I have attached these documents again, for reference.

Intended results We wanted to have a private meeting for further discussion on key recommendations on the National Drugs Strategy.

Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity Dr Bobby Smyth

Did any Designated Public Official(DPO) or former Designated Public Official(DPO) carry out lobbying activities on your behalf in relation to this return? You must include yourself, and answer Yes, if you are a current DPO or a DPO at any time in the past. (What is a Designated Public Official?) No

Did you manage or direct a grassroots campaign? No

Was this lobbying done on behalf of a client? No

Lobbying activity

The following activities occurred for this specific Subject Matter Area.

Letter (1)

Requesting a letter with Minister Murnane O'Connor to discuss the draft NDS. We also sent a submission. We make a series of recommendations regarding opportunities (1) to improve treatment provision, (2) to reduce drug use and related harms and (3) to improve the ongoing expert health and science informed oversight of the ever-changing drug landscape.

Designated public officials lobbied

The following DPOs were lobbied during this return period on this specific Subject Matter Area. These DPOs were involved in at least one of the Lobbying Activities listed above, but not necessarily all of them. As returns are specific to a Subject Matter Area the above Lobbying Activities may be associated with multiple returns.

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor Minister of State (Department of Health)