A new Health Referral Scheme launches today, giving eligible individuals found with drugs for personal use the chance to engage with health services instead of facing an immediate criminal justice response.

Under the scheme, An Garda Síochána can refer eligible first-time offenders to appropriate health supports where an offence relates to personal possession. The approach is designed to encourage early engagement with services, offer practical advice and reduce the potential long-term impact of a first personal possession offence.

The initiative is part of a wider Government commitment to reduce drug-related harm, enable earlier access to help, and ensure enforcement remains focused on those involved in sale, supply and exploitation linked to illegal drugs.

Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Jennifer Murnane O'Connor TD, said: "The launch of the Health Referral Scheme represents an important shift in how we respond to first-time possession of drugs for personal use. It provides a more practical, health-led approach, recognising that people may need information, support and early intervention. Under the scheme, eligible individuals can be directed to services that can discuss their circumstances and offer appropriate information, advice and support."

She added: "By responding earlier and focusing on reducing harm, the scheme aims to support better outcomes for individuals, families and communities."

Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O'Callaghan TD, said: "The scheme provides Gardaí with another proportionate option where a person is eligible for referral, while maintaining a firm focus on tackling drug dealing, organised crime and the serious harm caused by the illegal drugs trade. "It recognises that, in appropriate cases, referral to health supports may be a more effective response. It can help reduce the long-term impact of a first offence on a person's life, while ensuring Garda resources continue to be directed at those causing the greatest harm in communities."

Professor Eamon Keenan, National Clinical Lead in Addiction Services at the HSE, said: "This scheme shows the value of health and justice services working together to provide a more effective, health-led response. By engaging people early and connecting them with appropriate supports, we can reduce harm, support better outcomes for individuals and deliver a clear public benefit for families and communities."

Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly said: "The Health Referral Scheme is a positive development and An Garda Síochána has been working closely with Government stakeholders to prepare for implementation of this policy.

"The commencement of this scheme allows our members to support harm reduction by directing first-time offenders to the health services. Drug use remains illegal and is a serious danger to the health of all users. Having a mechanism to steer those taking drugs towards support services, rather than into the criminal justice system, is a welcome step in tackling the overall issue of drug use in Ireland."

The Health Referral Scheme has been developed jointly by the Department of Health and the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, working with the HSE and An Garda Síochána, and with the approval of the Director of Public Prosecutions. It advances the national drugs strategy by offering a health-led alternative to prosecution for drug possession in specific, eligible cases. The Department of Health will shortly run a social media campaign to raise awareness and direct the public to information on eligibility and available health supports. Further details are available at www.gov.ie/en/HealthReferral/.