Injection centres urgently needed to save lives
Labour spokesperson on Justice, Aodhán Ó Ríordáin TD, has called for the immediate establishment of an injection centre in Dublin following a warning from the HSE about a sharp rise in heroin overdoses in the city.
Deputy Ó Ríordáin said:
“Injection centres are a proven way to reduce harm overdose deaths and improve the health and well-being of people who use drugs. They provide a safe and supportive environment where people can inject drugs.
“The most important thing is to get an injection centre up and running as quickly as possible. A mobile centre could work, but the requirement is immediate. We can’t afford to wait any longer. They are a vital part of a comprehensive approach to drug policy that is based on evidence and compassion.
“Labour have long been calling for this, and now it is vital. The conservative coalition are running scared of drugs – rather than saving lives, they’re more interested in criminalising repeat users at a huge cost to the State and with no value to the person or their community.
“I urge the Government to heed the HSE’s warning and take immediate action to establish an injection centre in Dublin. Injection centres are a harm reduction measure. Those who need these services deserve humane and compassionate treatment.”