Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I did not realise that I was able to get in. I also welcome the Bill. It is a positive step in addressing the issues faced on a daily basis by drug addicts on the streets of the capital city. I realise it is based on a pilot. Mr. Tony Duffin and others have been before the Joint Committee on Health in recent years to explain the concept.

Like many others, I did not have a great understanding of the concept or what it did in terms of harm reduction. It ensures people have a safe place to inject or consume drugs that otherwise would be consumed in back-street alleys or on sidewalks or boardwalks in our capital city. The concept is good in terms of the practical health implications for individuals. They can be monitored in order that there is no potential to overdose. Needles can be exchanged. There is a concept of taking care of people in a vulnerable state, especially when they are addicted to substances.

Equally, it gives an opportunity to ensure this is not seen in an open environment throughout our cities. That is not to suggest that once it is behind closed doors and hidden from public view, all is well. However, people are being monitored and a clean needle exchange is available. We can ensure that if any harm comes to them, they have access to medical services quickly and effectively.

Of course, all of this is predicated on the understanding of An Garda Síochána with regard to this concept. We need to ensure positive buy-in from An Garda Síochána. There is an obligation on the force to enforce laws. There is a grey area around this concept in terms of a person going to the premises knowing full well that he is carrying an illegal substance. We have to impress upon An Garda Síochána that this is being done on a pilot basis. There should be an embracing of the concept. We have to ensure that there is an understanding of what we are trying to achieve, that is to say, people who are addicted to substances will be able to inject in a safe environment with clean needles. They can be monitored and observed in the context of health in an immediate sense to prevent overdoses. They can also be monitored for the longer term health implications that come about because of heavy drug usage, in particular with heroin and other opiates.

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