[Oireachtas] Dail Eireann debate. Written answer 161 - Drug treatment programmes policy [injecting centres] [27801/15]. (08 Jul 2015)
External website: http://oireachtasdebates.oireachtas.ie/Debates%20A...
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.
J Health care, prevention, harm reduction and rehabilitation > Harm reduction > Substance use harm reduction
J Health care, prevention, harm reduction and rehabilitation > Health related issues > Health information and education > Communicable / infectious disease control > Needle syringe distribution and exchange
L Social psychology and related concepts > Physical context, location or place > Safe spaces (injecting facilities / centre / consumption rooms)
MP-MR Policy, planning, economics, work and social services > Policy > Policy on substance use > Harm reduction policy
T Demographic characteristics > Person who injects drugs (Intravenous / injecting)
VA Geographic area > Europe > Ireland
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