11 inmates were hospitalised as a result of the drug last week.
The HSE says the drug identified in the Portlaoise Prison overdoses is unlikely to be circulating in festivals or nightlife settings.
A new synthetic Benzodiazepine has been deemed responsible, after 11 inmates were hospitalised last week.
National Clinical Lead of Addiction Services at the HSE, Professor Eamon Keenan, says it's the first time the drug has been identified in Ireland, and it's a sedative.
As a result, he thinks it's unlikely to be circulating around festivals or in other nightlife settings, as they tend to see stimulants.
However, Professor Keenan says the situation at Portlaoise Prison is an example of how volatile the drug market is, and new substances are appearing on the market and causing harm quickly.
Enterprise Department Confirms Over 80 Westmeath Jobs At Risk
Offaly Teacher Pays Tribute To Colleagues After Winning STEM Award
Asthma Society of Ireland Hold Workshop In Laois This Weekend
Laois TD Calls For Shorter Ambulance Deployment Distance
Uisce Eireann Publish Shannon Pipeline Consultation Submissions Report
70% Of Farming Families Lack Succession Plan
Mental Health Charity Triple Counselling Sessions After Citywest Protests
Westmeath Library To Close For Three Months From Today
Drug Usage On The Rise In The Midlands
Shannon Callows Farmers Demand Inclusion In Flood Management Group
Offaly Teachers Win National STEM Award
Appeal Lodged Against 600 Acre Laois Solar Farm Project
Government Funding To Benefit Midlands Historical Structures
Former GAA Referee Pleads Guilty To Indecent Assault
Laois TD Warns EU Plans Threaten Irish Neutrality
Almost One Million Cigarettes Seized In Offaly
Management Can Easily End Industrial Action - SIPTU
Westmeath Credit Union Manager Wins Lifetime Achievement Award
Midlands Readers Encouraged To Take Part in MS Readathon