HSE to intervene in cases of drug possession for personal use

Major changes have been announced as to how possession of drugs for personal use is dealt with.

It will see, what the Government calls, a "health-led approach" to the issue.

On the first occasion, a person would be referred by An Garda Síochána to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for a health screening and brief intervention.

On the second occasion, the Gardaí would have discretion to issue an adult caution.

Water quality 'exceptionally poor' ahead of tomorrow's Liffey Swim

13/09/2014. 95th Dublin Liffey Swim. Photo: Sam boal/Photo: Sam Boal/Photocall Ireland

Water quality in the River Liffey is said to be "exceptionally poor" ahead of tomorrow's 100th Liffey Swim - but the event is going ahead as planned.

Hundreds of swimmers are due to take part in the annual swimming event in the capital tomorrow afternoon - with the iconic swim this year marking its 100th anniversary.

Dublin City Council has advised organisers that water sample results "significantly exceed the maximum permitted levels for designated bathing waters".

However, organisers say the event is set to go ahead as planned.

Details revealed of new TV licence fee

A proposed new broadcasting charge has been labelled a 'household tax' by an opposition TD.

The Government has announced details of an overhaul of the TV licence fee.

How the fee will be collected is also set to change, with the process going out to tender later this year.

However the option of purchasing TV licences at post offices will remain, regardless of who gets the contract.

Long traffic delays as thousands travel to All Together Now festival

Festival-goers have reported traffic being at a near standstill as thousands make their way to the All Together Now festival in Waterford.

Drivers heading to Curraghmore Estate in Portlaw are complaining about having to wait for hours to get into the car parks.

Organisers have acknowledged issues, and suggested "every new festival faces challenges".

Boris Johnson suffers first defeat following UK by-election

The new British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has suffered his first major defeat.

Hid Conservative Party lost a by-election in Wales, after the Liberal Democrats took the Brecon and Radnorshire seat.

The result is a significant blow, as his working majority in the UK parliament has now fallen to just one.

Jane Dodds, the Lib Dems' leader in Wales, won with 43.5% of the vote, ahead of former Conservative MP Chris Davies on 39%.

Main image: (left to right) Minister for Health Simon Harris, Minister of State with responsibility for the National Drugs Strategy Catherine Byrne and Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan launching a series of new reforms that will see first and second time drug offenders escape a criminal conviction. Picture by: Cate McCurry/PA Wire/PA Images