The Health Referral Scheme (HRS) is a pilot programme that provides an alternative to prosecution for adults found in possession of small quantities of controlled drugs for personal use.
The scheme was approved by the Director of Public Prosecutions under Section 10 of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024 and comes into effect on 1 September 2026.
The aim is to support people through a health-based response rather than the criminal justice system where appropriate. Based on Garda policy, the person may be offered an opportunity to attend the HSE for a SAOR intervention.
The appointment involves a SAOR Screening and Brief Intervention for Alcohol and Substance Use. The intervention is:
- Delivered by one of the designated SAOR Practitioners.
- Explores substance use and support needs, in line with the SAOR model
- Provides information and advice
- May include referral to additional services where appropriate
Your service may receive a referral from a designated SAOR Practitioner for a person who may require onward referral specialist supports or services. If you identify that a person has been referred to you via the health referral scheme after they have received their SAOR intervention, you should record the answer for Q14 Source of referral as Health Referral (22).