PEOPLE FOUND IN possession of drugs for personal use for the first time can be referred by gardaí to the health service from 1 September, when the government’s Health Referral Scheme comes into effect, it was announced today. 

Announcing the start date for the scheme, which was first floated in 2019, the departments of Health and Justice described it as “a health-led response” and said:

“Where An Garda Síochána determines that a person is in possession of drugs for personal use, and meets the eligibility criteria for the scheme, that person will be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for brief intervention and assessment.”

The government said the scheme is designed “to provide early intervention, reduce harm, and support people to access help at the earliest possible point”.

It also said the scheme reflects “the government’s commitment to treating drug use as a public health issue” and is in line with the recommendation of the Citizens Assembly on Drug Use.

The Citizens Assembly recommended sweeping changes to the way issues related to drug use are dealt with by the state. 

When the government announced plans to bring in the Health Referral Scheme in 2019, it was criticised by many as not going far enough. 

The issue of decriminalising drug use also featured in the campaign leading up to the last general election, when Fine Gael took aim at Fianna Fáil’s manifesto pledge to do so. 

Fianna Fáil later said it did not intend to decriminalise all drugs. 

Announcing the date for the beginning of the scheme today, Murnane O’Connor, a junior minister in the Department of Health, said it was “an important milestone in the health led response to drugs use” and that it would “provide compassion and support”.

She added that the Department of Health has provided €700,000 to the HSE to provide a health intervention for people referred under the scheme.

“This scheme opens a pathway to support people before their drug use becomes problematic, while ensuring that services are in place to respond to people’s needs,” she said.

Health minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill said today’s announcement marked “the start of a new approach”.

“We want to reach out and give people, young people in particular, the opportunity to avoid a criminal conviction which can have long-lasting consequences for their future work and travel prospects.”

Justice minister Jim O’Callaghan said the scheme “represents a balanced and responsible approach” that “recognises the value of prevention, intervention and support”.

“An Garda Síochána will continue to take strong action against drug dealing, drug related intimidation and organised criminal activity,” he said.