Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal, Labour) | Oireachtas source

That is encouraging. I am conscious that following last night's debate on the Patient Safety (Notifiable Patient Safety Incidents) Bill, the Department of Health is having to do more work on that going into January. That is understandable and a good thing. I am conscious of the pressure the Department is under but this is something we feel must be brought forward as early as possible.

The work of the national drugs strategy that would complement the health-led approach to drug use and, ultimately, decriminalisation of the drug user is important. Initiatives such as the national injecting centre in Dublin city centre need to be delivered. That has to be moved forward. I acknowledge that we are waiting for the decision from An Bord Pleanála on that. These are the services that we need. We need a citizens' assembly, legislation and policies but we need the resources and services like this to be in place. I welcome the commitment that it will be as early as possible in the new year.

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