One step closer to supervised injecting rooms

Legislation that could pave the way for the opening of supervised injecting rooms for drug users will be brought before the Dáil in the coming weeks, according to a government minister.

Catherine Byrne, minister of state for communities and the national drug strategy, made the comment as 45 international drug policy experts gather in Dublin today for a summit at which issues such as monitored injecting facilities and decriminalisation will be discussed.

The previous coalition government had committed to exploring the possibility of setting up supervised injecting rooms and the plan has moved a step closer, with Ms Byrne stating: “I expect to be in a position to bring legislation which will allow for the operation of supervised injecting facilities to the Dáil in the coming weeks.”