Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal, Labour)
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65. To ask the Minister for Health if he plans to introduce legislation to allow a mobile supervised injecting centre while the approved injecting centre is being delayed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61094/22]

Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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In December 2019, An Bord Pleanála granted planning permission to Merchants Quay Ireland for a medically supervised injecting facility (MSIF). Leave to apply for a Judicial Review of the decision by An Bord Pleanála was granted by the High Court in February 2020.

In November 2021, following a Judicial Review, the planning decision was overturned by the High Court and remitted back to An Bord Pleanála for further consideration. It is not appropriate to comment on or prejudge the outcome of this process. 

The legislation providing for the establishment, licensing and operation of supervised injecting facilities is set out in the Misuse of Drugs (Supervised Injecting Facilities) Act 2017 (No 7 of 2017). The Act refers to the operation of a facility in respect of certain premises. It does not provide for mobile injecting facilities.

Furthermore, the Government decision approving the provision of supervised injecting facilities envisages the initial establishment of such a facility in Dublin city centre on a pilot basis. Therefore, there are no plans to amend existing legislation to allow a mobile supervised injecting centre.

I am committed to the establishment of a supervised injecting facility in Dublin city, as a harm reduction and life-saving service.