Minister for Justice Michael McDowell has indicated that an adult cautioning scheme for first time cannabis offences could be introduced following a meeting with Garda Commissioner Noel Conroy today.
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) is believed to have recommended that gardaí should caution first-time offenders caught with small amounts of the drug.
The DPP favours this scheme because it will save taxpayers' money and allow gardaí and the courts to prioritise more serious offences.
Speaking earlier today, Mr McDowell said, in relation to first-time offenders caught with small amounts of cannabis: "In many cases it may make sense, instead of queuing up for court time in three or six months' time, to confront an offender, who accepts his or her responsibility . . . to bring them before senior officer of An Garda Siochána to administer a caution and to draw to their attention that they are committing a very serious offence."
The adult-cautioning scheme is due to come into effect at the beginning of February and may apply to other minor offences such as being drunk and disorderly, provided offenders admit their guilt.
Speaking after the official opening of the new Garda International Liaison Building at Garda Headquarters, Mr McDowell said there is no question of the Garda or the DPP "depriving themselves of the discretion to prosecute for these offences.
"There is no let up in the determination of the Irish State or its law enforcement agency to ensure that message gets across. Everybody who takes drugs, be it an e-tab, be it a joint, be it a line of cocaine, in whatever circumstances, you personally take responsibility, of a kind, that we have gangs in this country who are taking lives," he added
Europe Against Drugs president Gráinne Kenny said today she trusted Mr McDowell on the issue as he had a good track record on the drug issue. She said addiction treatment was more important than criminal penalties for young people.
Ms Kenny added: "I would see a lot of people who are heavily addicted to cannabis and if they were cautioned and directed immediately for treatment to see a counsellor, then this could work very well indeed."