Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 July 2015
58. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if he will support the principle of legal injecting rooms, as presented in papers by the Ana Liffey drug project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27693/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraMedically supervised injecting facilities exist in a number of other countries, and have been proposed as a response to the problem of street injecting in this country. According to a recent report from the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction, drug consumption facilities can be effective for difficult-to-reach populations of drug users and have resulted in immediate improvements in hygiene and safer use for clients, as well as wider health and public order benefits.
I have recently received a copy of the draft Health (Injecting Centres) Bill 2015 and supporting documentation referred to by the Deputy. I have asked my officials to examine the matter. It should be noted that a change to existing legislation would be required to facilitate the introduction of these facilities.
