Urgent need for injection centres
Labour Justice spokesperson, Aodhán Ó Ríordáin TD is once again calling on the Government to implement much-needed injection centres.
Deputy Ó Ríordáin said
“Eight years ago to the day I got cabinet approval to legislate for Ireland’s first Medically Supervised Injection Facility. And we’re still waiting. The conservative coalition are burying their heads in the sand, but we urgently need injection centres set up.
“With over 50 recent overdoses in Dublin and 14 in Cork in recent days, this is more urgent than ever.We know injection centres are a harm reduction measure. Those who need these services deserve humane and compassionate treatment.
“Injection centres are a proven way to reduce drug-related deaths. The Government needs to investigate mobile injection centres, which would enable speedy implementation. In addition to preventing overdose deaths, injection centres also provide a range of other benefits, such as:
- Reducing the spread of HIV and hepatitis C
- Connecting people to treatment and other services
- Reducing crime
“People are dying on our streets while Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil pretend it’s not happening. I’m calling on Hildegarde Naughton, Minister of State for Public Health, to implement injection centres immediately.”