Dedicated injecting sites legislation
Deputy O’Brien asks when legislation enabling dedicated injecting sites will be introduced; the Tánaiste expects it this year, probably providing a limited number of centres, including one in Dublin.
The legislative programme was published yesterday and I want to inquire about legislation which the Minister of State, Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, indicated he will bring before the House. This is on dedicated injecting sites for heroin users. Will this legislation be brought before the House in this session or, if not, will it definitely be brought before the House during this term of government?
Comment on this
My understanding is that it will be brought before the House this year. What is under consideration in the Dublin area, and perhaps in other locations, is a centre where this could happen. I want to be clear that nobody is envisaging a very widespread number of centres. This is to address a very specific issue on the recommendation of experts, doctors and organisations dealing with people who are battling drug addiction issues. If we are speaking about such centres, I envisage that there would be one for Dublin city and county.