398. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health the current status of the proposal in the National Drugs Strategy 2009-2016 to have drugs intervention programmes, incorporating a treatment referral option, in place by 2012 for persons who come to the attention of An Garda Síochána and the probation service due to behaviour caused by substance misuse. [43138/14]

Minister for Health (Deputy Leo Varadkar): An Garda Síochána is the lead agency with regard to Action 38 of the National Drugs Strategy 2009 – 2016. The Garda National Drugs Unit, with the assistance of the Health Service Executive and a representative from a Regional Drug and Alcohol Task Force, has developed a ‘Pathways to Support Programme’ framework incorporating a treatment referral option for people, primarily youth and young adults, who have been arrested by Gardaí due to behaviour caused by substance misuse. An Garda Síochána will offer these persons an option of referral to drug and alcohol services providing free and confidential support.

In line with the overall strategic aims of the National Drugs Strategy to provide appropriate and timely substance treatment and rehabilitation services tailored to individual needs, the proposed framework is intended to provide vital referral information with the aim of reducing harm to individuals and society by the misuse of drugs and alcohol.

The Garda National Drugs Unit is currently liaising with the Health Service Executive and the Drug & Alcohol Task Forces in relation to the arrangements for the roll out of this initiative.