Ann Graves (Dublin Fingal East, Sinn Fein)
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1146. To ask the Minister for Health the progress made in the preparation and publishing of a formal national position on cannabis regulation following engagement with other countries and health professionals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47806/25]

Ann Graves (Dublin Fingal East, Sinn Fein)
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1147. To ask the Minister for Health the progress made in the introduction of legislation to require those found in possession of illegal drugs for personal use to attend educational or treatment programmes. [47807/25]

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1146 and 1147 together.

The Programme for Government ‘Securing Ireland’s Future’ reaffirms the Government’s commitment to a health led approach to drugs use. It commits to divert those found in possession of drugs for personal use to health services.

I and the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, have agreed that the Health Diversion Scheme will commence on an administrative basis.

An Garda Síochána and the Director of Public Prosecutions are finalising the operational details. Once we have sign-off, the scheme will commence at a national level.

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 depenalising drug use.

There are no proposals for legislative changes regarding the possession of drugs for personal use, including cannabis.

It is my belief that a health-led approach to drug use, that diverts those found in possession of drugs for personal use to health services, will lead to better outcomes for individuals, communities, and the society in which we live.