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A new initiative allows Gardaí to divert first-time drug possession offenders to health supports instead of prosecuting, aiming to reduce harm and encourage early intervention.
Gardaí will from Tuesday have the option to refer some people caught in possession of drugs to the health service rather than dealing with them in the criminal justice system.
This initiative, known as the "referral pathway scheme," aims to divert first-time offenders away from prosecution and toward appropriate health supports. The approach is intended to encourage early engagement with services, provide practical advice, and reduce the potential long-term impact of a first personal possession offence. Under the scheme, Gardaí can opt to refer an individual to the health system instead of issuing a prosecution or an adult caution.
The offender must admit to possession of a controlled drug for personal use at the time of the offence and be willing to participate in the scheme. If a person is eligible, the Garda will provide them with details on how to progress to the next steps, which typically involves accessing educational resources or treatment programs through the Health Service Executive (HSE).
This new policy is part of a broader strategy to reduce drug-related harm by supporting people to access help at an earlier stage, rather than waiting until they become deeply entrenched in addiction or crime. The introduction of the scheme has been welcomed by the national clinical lead in addiction services with the HSE, Eamon Keenan, who sees it as a collaborative effort to provide a more effective, health-led response.
By engaging people early and connecting them with appropriate supports, the goal is to reduce harm, support better outcomes for individuals, and deliver clear public benefits for families and communities
Drug Possession Garda Referral Scheme Health Intervention Personal Use Drugs Offender Diversion
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