asked the Minister for Health whether he is satisfied that the powers available to the Garda throughout the country and, in particular in Cork, are adequate to enable them to cope with the drug menace which has been widely publicised; and whether he is satisfied that the present legislation is adequate to meet present-day requirements.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Drug Legislation.
13.
I am satisfied that the powers available to the Garda under the Dangerous Drugs Act, 1934, are generally adequate to enable them to deal with drug offences under that Act. The position regarding certain other classes of drugs liable to abuse which do not come within the scope of that Act has not been satisfactory in the sense that there is no specific provision for dealing with the unauthorised possession of such drugs.
However, as the Deputy is no doubt aware, the Dáil have accepted my amendment to the Health Bill, 1969, which will enable the unauthorised possession of such substances to be made a punishable offence. This is intended as an interim measure.
The Government have already approved of the preparation of legislation to deal more comprehensively with the problem of drug abuse as part of a wider measure in relation to the control of drugs and poisons generally.
The drafting of this legislation is at present in hand and I hope to have it introduced in the Dáil early next year.