asked the Minister for Health if he will take steps to prepare a register of drug addicts; and if he will have a proper identity card issued to each addict.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Register of Drug Addicts.
59.
From the information available to me, I do not consider that I would be warranted in taking the steps suggested by the Deputy at present. I am keeping the question of the abuse of drugs under constant review.
One is glad to hear——
Has the Deputy a supplementary question to put to the Minister?
No. 59: I am seeking supplementary information on Question No. 59.
But the Deputy must ask a question.
Yes. The Minister is aware, of course——
That is not a question.
The Minister will be aware—just a moment, if you please——
"Is he aware."
Sorry: is the Minister aware—if the Chair would bring Deputy L'Estrange under control, one might be able to concentrate; it is not a matter for levity and the Deputy is treating these questions with some levity——
Let us get back to the question.
Is the Minister aware that elsewhere steps have been taken to keep a case history of each drug addict and would he not consider that such a system should be adopted here? Would he not also agree that this procedure would be in the best interests of preventive medicine?
Deputy Carter is using the word "addict" loosely. In the Mental Treatment Acts, an addict is defined as a person:
who by reason of his addiction to drugs or intoxicants is either dangerous to himself or others or incapable of managing himself or his affairs or of ordinary proper conduct or by reason of his addiction to drugs, intoxicants or perverted conduct is in serious danger of mental disorder.
The number of people involved here would be quite small and it is not apparent what purpose would be served by keeping such a record.
Is the Minister aware that there is a considerable number of drug addicts who are not known to his Department because he has no register? These people are in need of help and by having their names on a register, they would get a continuation of their drugs by normal means and not by every subterfuge known to them to get drugs from doctors and pharmacists. I would appeal to the Minister seriously to consider the setting up of a drug register for this purpose.