asked the Minister for Health if any special precautions have been taken to ensure that there will be no spread of drug addiction in this country.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Drug Addiction.
7.
This country is a party to the international conventions for the control of narcotics and, accordingly, has in force statutory provisions in regard to the manufacture, importation, exportation, sale, possession and use of narcotic drugs. All the information available appears to indicate that addiction to narcotic drugs is not a problem in this country.
I have noted reports that, in some countries, the abuse of certain drugs of the tranquilliser and anti-depressant type, which are not covered by the international conventions referred to, has presented a problem. To guard against the possibility of similar abuse arising here, regulations were made in 1954, 1962 and 1963 controlling the sale and distribution of such drugs. They may be sold retail only on medical prescription and, from enquiries which I have made, I am satisfied that such abuse of these substances as there may be in this country is on a limited scale. In order to ensure, however, that there will be sufficient additional powers available to deal with unauthorised trafficking, possession and use of these drugs should the need arise, I am at present considering the promotion of appropriate legislation.