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If this forms part of a properly integrated approach to dealing with drug addiction, including addiction to alcohol, it is a very good thing.

The addicts, by and large, are victims and should be helped to deal with their addiction rather than be treated like criminals.

Injecting rooms is also a very progressive idea. If people are using drugs and injecting in public places where discarded needles present a danger to the public at large, if they are using impure product or dirty needles, then the provision of injecting rooms makes perfect sense. Addicts will be given a clinically safe environment and will be amenable to professional help for their addiction.

As an Irish person I am surprised and pleased by the thoughtfulness that underpins this proposal.