Cannabis is still the most used illegal drug in Ireland. A new report shows more than a quarter of people admit they've taken it at some stage.
The next most popular drugs are ecstasy, poppers and cocaine, according to the Drug Use in Ireland and Northern Ireland report.
Men and those aged 15-24 have highest recent use of illegal drugs, which the Drugs Strategy Minister admits proves there is "a continuing need for preventative measures... that focus on young people, particularly young men, their families and communities and that take account of the gendered nature of substance use”.
Catherine Byrne also said survey "provides the best measure of the current illegal drugs situation in Ireland, thus informing policy formulation for the period ahead."
The report looked at illegal drugs like cannabis, ecstasy, cocaine and heroin and how often a person has used them. Those surveyed were asked if they 'ever used', 'recently used' or were 'currently using'.
Chair of the NACDA Professor Catherine Comiskey said while cannabis continues to be the most commonly used illegal drug, the "use of new psychoactive substances has dropped significantly".
It's understood that figure is linked to the government's clamp-down on head shops and so-called 'legal highs'.
