Ireland's first drug diversion scheme begins nationwide after seven-year wait

Gardaí must be satisfied the drugs — in terms of the quantity and how the drugs are packaged — are for personal use, and not for supply. The person concerned also must accept the offence. File picture 

The HSE is “geared up” for around 7,000 people to be referred to it by gardaí for a first-time offence of possessing drugs for personal use.

The scheme — announced as government policy seven years ago — starts nationwide tomorrow for a one-year trial.