We use Google Analytics to see which pages are read and how the site is used, so we know what to improve. This only runs if you accept. See our privacy notice for details.

Dáil
‹ Questions on Proposed Legislation

Supervised injection facilities legislation

Summary

The Government remains committed to supervised injection facilities; the Bill is being drafted and is expected to undergo pre-legislative scrutiny in early autumn.

I ask about the misuse of drugs (amendment) (No. 2) Bill, which provides for the establishment of supervised injection facilities. Will the Tánaiste give a precise timeline on when we will deal with the legislation? The heads were approved in January 2015 and there is a fear and suspicion that there is an undue delay in dealing with the issue. Could we have reassurance today that the Government is still committed to supervised injection facilities, that it has not resiled from that position and we will see this legislation soon? Will the Tánaiste indicate how soon that will happen?

Comment on this
Simon Harris Minister for Health Fine Gael

I assure the Deputy that the Government's position remains that we are in favour of supervised injection centres. The heads of the misuse of drugs (amendment) (No. 2) Bill had been approved in January 2015 and additional heads were approved in December 2015. The Office of Parliamentary Counsel is currently drafting the Bill and I expect pre-legislative scrutiny to take place early in the autumn; it will go to the health committee for that. We are proceeding with the other misuse of drugs Bill to deal with issues arising in the north inner city and other parts of the country.

Comment on this