He was responding to new data from the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA), which revealed that 169 drug-related deaths were registered in 2023—an increase of 47% compared to ten years ago.

The East Antrim MLA has said: “These statistics are deeply concerning and reflect a growing public health crisis in Northern Ireland. Behind each of these numbers is a life lost and a family devastated.

“We need urgent investment in prevention, early intervention, and treatment services, including better access to addiction support, mental health care, and supervised harm reduction initiatives, all which could be underpinned by a wider Harm Reduction Strategy.

“We can see that drug use patterns are changing and we need a responsive and well-funded public health approach. Simply relying on enforcement without addressing the root causes of substance misuse is failing people, and the Health Minister must take urgent steps to strengthen addiction services and ensure that vulnerable individuals have access to the help they need.

“We cannot accept a situation where drug-related deaths remain persistently high, particularly among younger people and those in our most deprived communities. This is a crisis that demands action, and one which needs a cross-departmental approach that addresses not only substance misuse but also the wider socio-economic factors that contribute to it, including poverty, homelessness, and mental ill health.

“Alliance will continue to push for a compassionate, evidence-led approach to drug policy that prioritises harm reduction and saves lives.”