asked the Minister for Health if he proposes to make any regulations with regard to a drug (name supplied).
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Drug Control.
16.
Under the Medical Preparations (Control of Sale) Regulations, 1966, the preparation in question may be sold to the public only by pharmaceutical chemists and certain other qualified persons and then only in the dispensing of a prescription.
In addition, under section 78 of the Health Act, 1970, and the Health (Possession of Controlled Substances) Regulations, 1970, made thereunder, the unauthorised possession of the preparation is a punishable offence.
This substance was included in the schedule to the Misuse of Drugs Bill, 1972, which was circulated during the lifetime of the previous Dáil. The Bill contained provision for comprehensive controls in relation to the possession and distribution, et cetera, of the drugs coming within its scope. As I indicated in reply to a question by the Deputy on 28th March, 1973, I intend to consult the Government as soon as possible regarding the question of introducing such a Bill.
17.
asked the Minister for Health if he has any proposals for the testing of a new drug (details supplied) in the treatment of drug addicts.
I have not received any such proposals. In any event, the use of a particular drug in treatment programmes provided for a drug addict would be a matter for the doctor concerned and not for the Minister for Health. I am advised that this particular drug is not a new one. It has been on the market for a number of years.