An international group of experts has welcomed plans to introduce medically supervised injection centres in Ireland, saying the move will help to tackle the problem of public injecting as well as facilitating access to treatment.

The backing comes ahead of an international drug policy conference in London this November that will focus on the current situation in Ireland.

Minister of State for the National Drugs Strategy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin has been vocal in his support for legislation that would introduce injection centres in Ireland before the next election.