Eric Byrne (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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531. To ask the Minister for Health his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the drug problem in Dublin City centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49514/14]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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In line with the National Drugs Strategy, the Health Service Executive (HSE) provides a comprehensive range of addiction services to reduce drug-related harm and which encourage problem substance users to engage with, and avail of such services. These services include needle exchange provision, together with evidence-based treatment options such as methadone maintenance treatment, counselling and community-based and residential rehabilitation.

In relation to the drug problem in Dublin city centre, the HSE, in partnership with a local voluntary service provider, Dublin City Council and an Garda Síochána has set up an assertive case management programme to engage with the cohort who are involved in public drug use. The pilot programme, which will be monitored and evaluated, is designed to provide the best possible outcomes for these individuals and address their issues of homelessness and addiction using shared resources. The HSE also cooperate with the local community representatives of the North and South Inner City and with local Gardaí to minimise any negative public order issues that may arise in the vicinity of its treatment centres.

The HSE Service Plan for 2015 includes an additional €2.1 million for measures under the National Drugs Strategy which will benefit vulnerable problem drug users in the Dublin area. These measures include enhanced provision for residential detoxification and rehabilitation facilities and a demonstration project by the HSE, which aims to increase access to naloxone for opioid users. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist which is used to reverse the effects of opioids such as heroin, morphine and methadone and has been proven to be an effective way of reducing the number of opioid overdose deaths.

The introduction of medically supervised injecting centres in Ireland would raise a number of serious issues including patient safety and legal concerns. Therefore, the Government's focus is on providing more opportunities for people to move on from illicit drug use, through drug treatment and rehabilitation, to a drug-free life where that is achievable.