asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the abuse of drugs (names supplied) in the Dublin area and of any deaths which have occured as a result of the illegal use of the drugs; and what action he will take in regard to the abuse of this drug.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Drug Abuse.
19.
Two drugs are named in the question. I am aware of the abuse in the Dublin area of one of these preparations but I understand that the second preparation referred to is not abused to any significant extent.
I have received reports of three deaths which have occured directly or indirectly through the abuse of the first mentioned preparation. I first received reports some time ago which indicated that a number of forged prescriptions for the preparation had been presented to chemists in Dublin and also that there had been some thefts of the drug. Effective action was taken to seal off these sources of illicit supply. Unfortunately, since then the continuing abuse of the preparation has been made possible through supplies obtained on medical prescriptions issued by a limited number of medical practitioners.
The National Drugs Advisory Board wrote to practitioners generally early in August, 1971, drawing their attention to the need for care in prescribing the preparation, especially for young people.
The manufacturers of the preparation also have been concerned as to the position and last week they informed me that they had decided, on their own initiative, to cease marketing the preparation in this country as from 30th November, 1971. The firm are to be commended on their responsible attitude to the problem but it is regrettable that they have had to take this action.
Over the past few months, I have had investigations under the Dangerous Drugs Act carried out in connection with the distribution of the preparation to know drug abusers in Dublin. I have reported to the Medical Registration Council relevant portions of the results of these inquiries. Apart from this, further action regarding persons concerned in the abuse of the drug is under active consideration but it would not be in the public interest to disclose at this stage the measures proposed.
I would remind the Deputy of the danger of publicity arousing the curiosity of young persons and leading them to experiment with drugs and I would especially ask him not to mention, in any supplementary questions he may ask, the name of the second preparation referred to in his question, which, as I have said, is not, so far, abused to any significant extent in this country.
The Minister is aware that both preparations were deliberately left out with that object in mind. The Minister I am sure will agree that the firm should be complimented upon their prompt action in this regard. Will the Minister's Department keep a keen look out for other drugs which could be abused in a similar manner and if such drugs come to light will he ensure that there is not a nine months delay, as there was in this case, which resulted in three deaths and certain other injuries, before something is done? In regard to the abuse of drugs will the Minister bring legislation before the House in this session as he mentioned he would do earlier on in the session?
Legislation will be brought in as soon as possible. There was not a nine months delay. These drugs were being prescribed legally by certain persons; there was an overprescription. I am not going to say any more about the matter except that the most drastic action that we can undertake is being undertaken.
What action does the Minister intend to take against the limited number of practitioners who have been prescribing these dangerous drugs? Is the Minister aware that in court recently it was stated that the police warned those people but despite the warning all but one continued to supply them? Is the Minister prepared to take immediate action against those wretches who are trying to make money out of the sufferings of some unfortunate people?
If the Deputy reads my reply he will see what action has been taken.
These people have been threatened by their own organisation but the Minister should take definite action against such people. These are the type of people who have led to the drug abuse in England; it is unfortunate that we have them here.
Is the Minister aware that many eminent individuals in responsible organisations concerned with drug abuse hold the view that the Government have been unduly complacent and dilatory in implementing many of the recommendations contained in the working party report and notwithstanding the Minister's considerable concern his Department do not seem to be acting on the matter? This view is also held by some of the police authorities concerned.
I disagree with the Deputy. Legislation is being introduced as rapidly as possible. I gave a complete account of the steps in reply to questions in November when I indicated that we were preparing seminars for teachers and so forth. The educational part of the programme is being prepared in conjunction with the Department of Education.