{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/67c5d757b48a8f157c1f9076/6a96c0c8b6f00a73a9039dce?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"An Garda Síochána will implement the Health Referral Scheme from 1st September 2026. ","thumbnail_width":200,"thumbnail_height":200,"thumbnail_url":"https://open-images.acast.com/shows/67c5d757b48a8f157c1f9076/1788264615097-4ad640d6-02de-480b-b8f0-ecbf16992ff7.jpeg?height=200","description":"<p>An Garda Síochána will implement the Health Referral Scheme (HRS) at midnight on 1st September 2026. This is a pilot programme developed by the Department of Health and the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, in partnership with the HSE, and An Garda Síochána.</p><p>The Health Referral Scheme provides An Garda Síochána with an alternative response to persons over the age of 18 found in possession of a small quantity of controlled drugs for personal use. Instead of prosecuting an individual for simple possession, Gardaí can opt to refer the person to the HSE’s Health Referral Scheme. This referral is an alternative to a prosecution or adult caution</p><p><br></p><p><br></p>","author_name":"lmfm "}