This study examines the practice and policy of the District Court when dealing with drug related offenders in light of the claim that there already exists the nucleus of a Drug Court in Dublin. The constituent elements of the criminal justice system which impact upon drug issues were explored to contextualize the research question. The literature reviewed examined the emergence of Drug Treatment Courts in the United States with particular emphasis on crime causation and drug related behaviour, Drug Treatment Court interventions and Drug Treatment Court evaluations.
The study focuses on the process of diverting drug related offenders to treatment. A qualitative research approach was used employing a focus group of judges and a case study. Additionally, a number of cases where diversion to treatment by the court was indicated, were examined. The methods used enabled analysis of cognitions and expectations of the Focus Group participants.

The findings reveal that the key actors, the Judiciary, the Probation and Welfare Service and Treatment Agencies do not subscribe to common aims and objectives. The exigencies of competeing paradigms of control and care create difficulties and inhibit the emergence of shared objectives and modalities. Current practice reflects traditional sentencing values and procedures. The establishment of a Drug Treatment Court in Ireland requires radical structural and attitudinal changes involving realignment of procedures and perspectives of the sectoral actors.