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.
Minister For National Drugs Strategy Pledges Gardai Drug Specialists
Offaly Chef Criticises Government School Lunches
Offaly GAA Club Hosting Drive-In Bingo This Weekend
Laois County Council Launch Bat Lovers Group
Argentine Ambassador To Visit Westmeath Library
Westmeath Children's Charity Awarded For Sustainability
Longford-Westmeath TD Condemns Explicit AI Images
Jury Delivers Not Guilty Verdict By Reason Of Insanity In Laois Murder Trial
Westmeath Matchmaker Shares Top Valentines Day Tips
Farmer Concerns Mount Over Slurry Storage Capacity
Jury For Laois Murder Trial Told Evidence Points "One-Way"
Scene Of Offaly Crash Cleared
Family Of Midlands Man Seek Answers On Psychiatric Care System Gaps
Westmeath Mansion Worth Over €1.7m Hits Housing Market
Laois Councillor Criticises Government Response To Flooding
Laois Protesters Host Anti-Hunt Ball
Midlands 103 Reaches 112k Weekly Listeners In Latest JNLR Report
Longford-Westmeath TD Calls For Changes In ADHD policies
HSE Midlands And Dublin Record Highest Number Of STI's
Laois Heritage Society Launches Spring Talks With Evening of Folklore