andMr. Esmonde asked the Minister for Health if in view of a recent court decision he will consider the immediate amendment of the Dangerous Drugs Act, 1934, to alter the definition of Indian hemp in section 2 of the Act.
17.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dangerous Drugs.
16.
asked the Minister for Health if in view of the national concern about the possibility of the widespread increase in drug taking due to the defect in the Dangerous Drugs Act, 1934, relating to cannabis, as recently held by the Central Criminal Court, he will take immediate action to prevent the spread of drug taking.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle I propose to take Question Nos. 16 and 17 together.
I am urgently considering the steps open to me to remedy the situation which has arisen in regard to the prosecution of offences involving the abuse of the drug cannabis.
I expect to make an announcement in this regard in the course of the next few days.
Would the Minister agree that the matter is one of urgency as the police authorities are powerless to prevent the distribution of cannabis and Indian hemp in view of the recent court decision?
I am so aware and I was concerned after reading the first report in the newspapers following the recent court decision.
Could the Minister give us any details of the sex life of the male and female plants?
That is hardly relevant.
The Deputy would probably do a better job than I on that.
Has the Minister considered appealing against the decision of the court in order to give him time to bring in the necessary legislation?
No, but I think that regulations would be the most effective and speedy way of dealing with the problem.