Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 May 2026
506. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she will provide a breakdown of spending on advertising which was funded or overseen by her Department, and bodies under its aegis, in each of the past five, including a breakdown by medium that is radio, television, social media, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36483/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department is currently collating the information requested and a reply will issue directly to the Deputy on this matter as soon as possible.
507. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Health whether the Government is considering the repeal or amendment of Section 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977, which criminalises simple possession of drugs for personal use; whether discussions have taken place with An Garda Siochana regarding this; the current Government position on decriminalisation or diversion-based models; and the reasons underpinning that position. [36445/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 (AGS) are responsible for referring people found in possession of drugs for personal use to the HSE under the scheme. In turn, the HSE will provide a screening and brief intervention on drug use on a voluntary basis to everyone referred under the scheme through a regional network of health care practitioners.
AGS are finalising the operational details of how the referral will work. Once we have sign-off on this, 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.
There is no requirement for legislative changes regarding the possession of drugs for personal use, including cannabis, for the operation of the health diversion scheme. Rather, the approach will depenalise the possession of drugs for personal use, in line with approaches in many European countries, so that individuals can avoid a criminal prosecution.
It is my belief that the health-led approach to drug use which underpins the health diversion scheme, will lead to positive outcomes for individuals, communities and society.
