Gardaí and Community Safety
Garda Health Referral Scheme Comes Into Effect
· EmergencyResponders.ie
An Garda Síochána has introduced a new Health Referral Scheme offering a health-based response in certain eligible first-time drug-possession cases.
An Garda Síochána has introduced a new Health Referral Scheme offering a health-based response in certain first-time drug-possession cases.
Under the pilot programme, eligible adults found with a small quantity of controlled drugs for personal use may be referred to an HSE support and treatment programme as an alternative to prosecution or an adult caution.
The person must meet the scheme’s conditions, admit possession and agree to engage with an HSE practitioner. Possession of controlled drugs remains a criminal offence.
The initiative was developed by the Departments of Health and Justice in partnership with the HSE and An Garda Síochána and came into effect on 1 September 2026.
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