Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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58. To ask the Minister for Health if he will support the principle of legal injecting rooms, as presented in papers by the Ana Liffey drug project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27693/15]

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin (Dublin North Central, Labour)
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Medically supervised injecting facilities exist in a number of other countries, and have been proposed 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 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.