{
  "id": 4738621,
  "title": "HSE scheme offers alternative to prosecution over drugs",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/31/hse-scheme-offers-alternative-to-prosecution-over-drugs",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-08-31T23:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "RTE News",
    "slug": "rte-news",
    "url": "https://www.rte.ie/news/health/2026/0901/1589883-health-referral-scheme-drugs/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A criminologist has criticized the new Health Referral Scheme introduced by the HSE, stating it will not benefit those with a history of drug possession convictions. Under the scheme, individuals caught with small amounts of drugs can now be referred to a health service for treatment instead of facing prosecution. However, the scheme only applies to first-time offenders and controlled drug possession remains illegal. James Leonard, a former drug user, emphasized that the scheme is irrelevant to individuals like him who have prior convictions, highlighting the inequality in the system. The scheme began at midnight and provides an alternative to charging adults with simple drug possession. Once referred, offenders can enroll in rehab or face prosecution. Jennifer Murnane O'Connor, Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing, and the National Drugs Strategy, explained that the scheme aims to help first-time offenders by directing them to health services rather than the criminal justice system, promoting harm reduction. Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly said the scheme supports harm reduction by diverting first-time offenders to healthcare services. Professor Eamon Keenan, HSE's Clinical Lead in Addiction Services, noted that while the scheme may help prevent long-term drug abuse, it does not decriminalize drugs and possession remains a criminal offense. The scheme is voluntary and requires individuals to engage with healthcare services, where they can receive support, advice, or referrals through motivational interviewing. The government plans to review the scheme in a year's time to evaluate its effectiveness and make necessary changes.",
  "summary": "Adults found in possession of small quantities of drugs can now be referred to new HSE scheme instead of being prosecuted.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}