Thomas Gould
Question:800. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health for an update on the proposed supervised injection facilities in Dublin, Cork and Limerick. [54826/23]
View answerTuesday, 12 December 2023
Questions (800)
Written answers
The Misuse of Drugs (Supervised Injecting Facilities) Act 2017 was passed to allow for the establishment, licensing, operation and regulation of supervised injecting facilities.
The Government decision approving the provision of supervised injecting facilities envisaged the establishment of a facility in Dublin city centre on a pilot basis.
This is a key action in the national drugs strategy, Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery, (action 2.2.29).
In December 2022, An Bord Pleanála approved planning permission for Merchants Quay Ireland (MQI) to establish the SIF, on a pilot basis for 18 months.
The HSE has engaged with MQI to agree a timetable and costings to develop the SIF. Plans to refurbish the premises at MQI are underway and it is expected that the works will commence in early 2024 and be completed by quarter 3, 2024. The Department of Health has allocated €1.5m to the HSE to cover the annual running costs of the facility.
I am informed that the supervised injecting facility is likely to open in quarter 4, 2024. The facility will be evaluated over the 18 month pilot phase and the findings will inform decisions about the continuation of the Dublin facility and the development of new facilities in other regions.