Liam Quaide (Cork East, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

1496. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality for an update on the new health diversion scheme expected to begin before November; the funding to be provided to the scheme in 2025 and 2026 respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45002/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

My Department recognises that possession of illicit drugs for personal use must necessarily be viewed as a public health issue, and not just as a matter for the criminal justice system. Additionally, while punishment for those who commit crime is a central element of our justice system, the rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders is at the core of our penal system. For these reasons, my Department is taking an active role in responding to the Citizens’ Assembly on Drug Use recommendation that the State introduce ‘a comprehensive health-led response to possession of drugs for personal use’.

The Department of Health together with my Department, the Health Service Executive and An Garda Síochána, are now finalising a Health Diversion Scheme.

The Scheme, which is in line with Recommendation 17 of the Citizens’ Assembly on Drugs Use, will provide a health-led response to possession for personal use. It will facilitate members of An Garda Síochána to connect participants with health services, thereby providing a pathway to treatment and recovery in cases of problematic drug use.

The Programme for Government endorses the health-led approach and commits to implement the Health Diversion Scheme. The scheme will be reviewed after one year to ensure it is meeting its aims and to make any necessary changes. A comprehensive process evaluation framework has been developed to undertake this review.

The Minister of State for the National Drugs Strategy and I have agreed the scheme will commence on an administrative basis, and An Garda Síochána and the Director of Public Prosecutions are currently finalising the scheme’s operational details, prior to commencement at a national level.

The Department of Health has made funding available to the HSE for the necessary posts, and will have a surge plan in place in advance of the scheme’s implementation. The Department of Health has also identified funding to support the monitoring and evaluation of the first year of the scheme’s implementation.