161. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health if he has explored the introduction of medically supervised injecting centres; and if so, if his Department has developed any estimates as to the possible operating costs involved. [27801/15]

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin): Medically 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 a draft Health (Injecting Centres) Bill 2015 and supporting documentation from a Dublin-based service provider. I have asked my officials to examine the matter, including the associated costs involved. It should be noted that a change to existing legislation would be required to facilitate the introduction of these facilities.