It's the first time the substance has been identified in Ireland.
The drug involved in the recent overdoses in Portlaoise Prison has been identified.
Clobromazolam, a new synthetic Benzodiazepine has been deemed responsible, the first time this drug has been identified in Ireland.
The substance describes by the HSE as being extremely potent and is a sedative.
There were no opioids involved in the overdoses.
Prof Eamon Keenan, National Clinical Lead, Addiction Services, says The situation at Portlaoise Prison recently is an example of how volatile the drug market is. New substances are appearing on the market and causing harm quickly."
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