The Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Jennifer Murnane O’Connor TD, the Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD, and the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O’Callaghan TD have today announced that the new Health Referral Scheme will go live nationally from 1 September 2026.

The scheme will provide a health-led response for people found in possession of drugs for personal use for the first time. 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 scheme is designed to provide early intervention, reduce harm, and support people to access help at the earliest possible point.

The Health Referral Scheme reflects the Government’s commitment to treating drug use as a public health issue. The scheme is in line with the recommendation of the Citizens Assembly on Drug Use for a comprehensive health-led approach, with the emphasis on de-penalising drug use. The recommendations regarding the Health Referral Scheme contained in the final report from the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Drugs Use were considered in the implementation of the scheme.

Minister Murnane O’Connor said:

“This is an important milestone in the health led response to drugs use. It will provide compassion and support. The Health Referral Scheme will give eligible first-time offenders an opportunity to engage with HSE health services, receive appropriate advice and support, and take steps that can reduce harm and improve their wellbeing. 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. Drug use can have profound impacts on people, families and communities. A health-led approach recognises that early intervention matters.”

Minister Carroll MacNeill said:

"Today is the start of a new approach. I am so grateful for the work of my colleague in the Department of Health, Minister Jennifer Murnane O'Connor, Minister Jim O'Callaghan and the HSE for their work on this scheme. This scheme offers people a helping hand, lessens stigma and will offer a second chance. 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."

“The Health Referral Scheme represents a balanced and responsible approach. It gives Gardaí a clear route to connect eligible first-time offenders with health services, while allowing the criminal justice system to remain focused on those who profit from the sale and supply of illegal drugs. The scheme 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. At the same time, this scheme will help reduce the risk that a first-time personal possession offence becomes a barrier to education, employment or recovery. It is a proportionate response that supports better outcomes for individuals and communities."

The scheme has been developed by the Department of Health and the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, in partnership with the HSE, and An Garda Síochána. The implementation of the scheme will contribute to the National Drugs Strategy and fulfils the Programme for Government commitment.

The Health Referral Scheme will be monitored throughout its first year and evaluated to ensure it is meeting its aims and to inform any further development of the scheme.