[Oireachtas] Dail Eireann debate. Written answer 38 - Drug treatment programmes policy [injecting rooms] [27046/15]. (09 Jul 2015)
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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.
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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