An Adult Cautioning Scheme approved by the Director of Public Prosecutions came into force on the 1st February, 2006. The Scheme only applies to offences committed on or after the commencement date of 1st February 2006, and to persons aged 18 years and upwards. It is an alternative to the prosecution of certain persons against whom there is evidence of the commission of a scheduled criminal offence, where the prosecution of such offence is not required in the public interest.