Written answers

Wednesday, 17 October 2018

Department of Health

Addiction Treatment Services

Photo of Tommy BroughanTommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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155. To ask the Minister for Health when the first medically supervised injecting centre will be operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42610/18]

Photo of Catherine ByrneCatherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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The establishment of a pilot supervised injecting facility is a commitment in the 'Programme for a Partnership Government' and is a key action in the national drugs strategy, Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery. The purpose of the facility is to provide a clean, safe, healthcare environment where people who inject drugs can access medical and social services from healthcare professionals. Evidence from countries with such facilities shows that they are cost-effective in the long-run, through reducing ill-health for injecting drug users and by improving the environment for residents and businesses.

In February 2018 the HSE announced Merchants Quay Project as the preferred bidder to operate a supervised injecting facility in Dublin city on a pilot basis. The awarding of the contract followed a HSE procurement process initiated in August 2017 and is subject to normal planning permission approval. The Department of Health and the HSE have been proactive in supporting Merchants Quay Ireland to develop this facility and have met with a number of key stakeholders.

I am fully committed to the establishment of the supervised injecting facility. Only recently, on 14 September, I visited Merchants Quay Ireland to launch its annual review 2017 and to get an update on progress on establishing the SIF. During the visit, I announced the establishment of a community fund to support improvements in the physical and social environment, so that there are tangible gains for the local community arising from the SIF.

I understand that Merchants Quay Ireland lodged an application for planning permission to establish a supervised injecting facility with Dublin City Council on 8 October, 2018. It would not be appropriate for me to comment on the outcome of the planning process.

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