New drugs strategy among matters under Cabinet discussion

The new National Drugs Strategy for the next five years will be published after Cabinet approval. The strategy emphasizes a health-led approach to tackling drug and alcohol use, with a focus on expanding treatment services, particularly in rural areas. A key component is the Health Referral Scheme, which allows gardaí to refer individuals found in possession of drugs for personal use to health services instead of prosecution.

The strategy will run up to 2028 and increase services for vulnerable groups, with HSE regions coordinating funding and delivery. Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Minister for Enterprise Peter Burke will discuss Ireland's role in Europe's AI economy at an upcoming International AI Summit in Dublin.

Brief written by urgent.news from RTE News's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.