Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 November 2020
1109. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Health the status of possession of drugs for personal use; the considerations being given to future changes to the law in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32912/20]
View answerThe Government is developing a public health-led approach to drug use. This approach will connect people who use drugs with health services and a pathway to recovery, avoiding a criminal conviction, which can have far-reaching consequences for people, particularly younger people.
There are two components to the health diversion programme whereby a person in possession of drugs, determined by An Garda Síochána to be for personal use, on the first occasion would be referred by An Garda Síochána on a mandatory basis to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for a health screening and brief intervention. On the second occasion, An Garda Síochána would have discretion to issue an Adult Caution.
An implementation, monitoring and evaluation group, chaired by the Department of Health, is implementing the health diversion programme. The Group is developing proposals to commence implementation of the programme on an administrative basis in a number of locations throughout the country.
As outlined in the Programme for Government, a review of the programme will take place following the first full year of implementation, to ensure that it is meeting all of its aims.
I am committed to a health-led approach for possession of drugs for personal use. I look forward to the commencement of the health diversion programme in 2021. I have no plans to change the law in regard to the possession of drugs for personal use.
