Merchants Quay Ireland announced as preferred operator of Ireland’s first Medically Supervised Injecting Facility

Merchants Quay Ireland announced as preferred operator of Ireland’s first Medically Supervised Injecting Facility

Merchants Quay Ireland (MQI), the homeless and drugs charity, is delighted to have been selected as the preferred provider to operate Ireland’s first Medically Supervised Injecting Facility (MSIF) in Dublin City Centre, on a pilot basis.

MQI are committed to working with all partners involved, including the HSE, the Gardaí, Dublin City Council and the local community, to ensure this is a successful pilot.

Speaking on the announcement, CEO of MQI Tony Geoghegan said:

“With one person a day dying from a drug overdose, this is a real positive step in taking a proactive and progressive approach to drug policy. Truly it will save lives.

“We know that engagement with drug treatment works, however successful treatment and rehabilitation is only possible if someone is still alive. This opening of a SIF shows that as a society we are putting some of Ireland’s most vulnerable people first and providing a much needed service.

“We would like to thank Minister Catherine Byrne and the government for this opportunity. It’s a real testament to everyone who campaigned for the SIF, particularly our colleagues at Ana Liffey, to see this important initiative progressed.”

A family member of a person living in addiction commented, “It brings me great peace of mind to know that when the SIF opens my son will have the chance to meet with a professional worker who knows and understands the problems faced by those in addiction. Someone who can listen to my son and offer the chance of real change.”

-ENDS-

 

For more information or to arrange to speak with our spokesperson, Tony Geoghegan please contact:

Andrew Rooney

086 7793 2083 or e-mail andrew.rooney@mqi.ie