Progress towards Supervised Injecting Facilities in Ireland Marcus Keane, Ana Liffey Drug Project Glasgow, 31st August 2016

Ana Liffey Drug Project Public injecting in Dublin Developing SIFs as a policy response The story so far Next steps

Ana Liffey Drug Project

Ana Liffey Drug Project Founded 1982, incorporated in 1985 Low threshold, harm reduction ethos Direct services in Dublin, Midlands and Midwest Online and Digital Services Nationally 2006 – 9 staff, < 800k revenue 2016 – 35 staff, > 2m revenue

Who we work with Mid 20’s – mid 30’s Drug use Complex needs Polydrug use Dangerous injecting practices Complex needs Comorbid health issues Family supports Bereavement Sex work Isolation – social and geographic Suicide Homelessness

We neither promote nor denounce substance use but seek to respond to problems associated with it We believe in rights and responsibilities We’re pragmatic We aim to make a positive contribution to society In practice, we try to be: Non-judgmental Person centred Solution focused Innovative Example – Assertive Case Management Team

Public Injecting In Dublin

Public Injecting in Dublin

Public Injecting in Dublin About 50% ALDP client group IDUs Polydrug use is the norm Over 400 people mostly injecting in public in Dublin City Centre Wide range of public and private harms A concern for everyone

Developing SIFs as a Policy Response The Story so Far…

Timeline November 2011 SIF explicitly set out in ALDP Strategic Plan 2012-2014 October 2013 Legal opinion sought on issues related to SIF delivery in Ireland June 2014 Voluntary Assistance Scheme of the Bar of Ireland sets up legislative drafting committee May 2015 Committee deliver draft legislation to ALDP; ALDP passes to Minister O’Ríordáin December 2015 Cabinet decision to legislate for SIF

The legal issues Principles Develop framework within which SIF could legally operate, changing only what is strictly necessary Amendments S 3, Misuse of Drugs Act, 1977 S 19, Misuse of Drugs Act, 1977 Other issues S 21, Misuse of Drugs Act, 1977 S 15, Misuse of Drugs Act, 1977 S 3, CJ (Psych Substances) Act, 2010 S 4, NFOATP Act, 1997

The Draft Bill….. Allows for Minister to issues licences, and for statutory preconditions to the issuing of a licence Protects operators from actions in negligence Allows for Minister to make relevant regulations Amends S3 and S19

The Current State of Play Legislating for SIF is in current programme for government Draft legislation with Office of the AG Expect introduction to parliament in late 2016 If passed, focus then turns to implementation

Developing SIFs as a Policy Response Next steps

Where to next? Lobby to ensure the legislation is fit for purpose Move to the operational Who will operate SIFs? Where will they be located? How will they be funded? How will they be evaluated? Engaging with stakeholders

What have we learnt? Know what you’re talking about Speak to the self-interest of the your stakeholders Find common ground with your detractors Engage with the media and promote your goal at every opportunity You need the support of many, many others

Marcus Keane Ana Liffey Drug Project marcus.keane@aldp.ie +353 87 2227922 www.aldp.ie www.drugs.ie