The NDTRS is being updated to make the recording of Affected Family Member (AFM) and Drug-Related Intimidation (DRI) episodes simpler and more relevant for services. As part of these changes, users will only be shown questions that are applicable to AFM and DRI episodes, reducing data entry and improving the reporting experience.
Three additional questions will also be introduced to strengthen the evidence base on AFM presentations and support more comprehensive reporting on DRI nationally. These enhancements will make data collection easier for services.
The changes are expected to go live in December 2026.
In announcing additional Department of Health funding to support the National DRIVE Project and these NDTRS enhancements, Minister Murnane O’Connor stated in a press release issued on 14 September 2026:
‘The Department of Health will provide an additional €50,000 to the HRB to expand data collection on DRI from more family support services, including family resource centres. This will strengthen the HRB’s ability to report on DRI nationally and support a fuller understanding of its nature, patterns and responses’.