38. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health his position regarding the continuing problem of drug abuse in Dublin city centre; his position on the proposal to allow the creation of injecting rooms in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27046/15]

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin): There is currently a problem with street injecting in Dublin and elsewhere which is unhygienic and unsafe for both drug users and the general public. Medically supervised injecting facilities exist in a number of other countries, and have been suggested 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 regarding the proposal 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.