From today, a new pilot scheme called the ‘Health Referral Scheme’ will allow first time offenders found to be in possession of drugs for personal use to be referred to the HSE by Gardaí.

The Department of Health said the scheme, which came into effect at midnight today, is intended to “encourage early engagement with services, provide practical advice and reduce the potential long-term impact of a first personal possession offence”.

Joining Shane to discuss is Head of Addiction Services at Saint John of God Hospital and Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at UCD, Professor Colin O’Gara.