Drug users will be legally permitted to inject hard drugs in designated centres under plans agreed by the Cabinet.
The new laws will see the establishment of so-called 'supervised injecting facilities' which allow drug users inject illegal substances such as heroin and cocaine without fear of arrest by gardaí.
The move, which is being pushed by Labour Minister for Drugs Aodhán Ó Ríordáin but also supported by Fine Gael, is aimed at reducing drug deaths and infection from serious diseases caused by drug users sharing needles.
Speaking to the Irish Independent, Mr Ó Ríordáin said he is "delighted" the legislation got the green light and said the first pilot centre is likely to be established in the Merchant Quay drug rehabilitation centre in Dublin City Centre.
The minister said he has received requests to have a similar centre set up in Cork and insisted the business community in Dublin is supportive of his plans.
"Business owners are tired of sweeping up syringes and worried about the image Dublin has among tourists who see open drug use on our streets and that's why they have advocated for a model which will help clean up our streets," he said.
However, a Government source last night said there will a "considerable lead-in time" before a pilot facility is opened.
It is expected the first centre will not be opened until 2017 at the earliest, as the legislative process is likely to be the focus of extensive discussions and debate.
Source: Philip Ryan, Irish Independent, 16/12/15
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