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

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

3. Ana Liffey Drug Project

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. Public Injecting In Dublin

8. Public Injecting in Dublin

9. 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

10. Developing SIFs as a Policy Response The Story so Far…

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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. Developing SIFs as a Policy Response Next steps

16. 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

17. 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

18. Marcus Keane Ana Liffey Drug Project marcus.keane@aldp.ie