asked the Minister for Health the progress that has been made in providing for the imposition of mandatory prison sentences on convicted narcotics pushers.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Mandatory Prison Sentences.
22.
As I indicated in reply to the Deputy's question on the subject on 2nd May, 1973, the question of penalties for drug offences generally will arise in connection with the Misuse of Drugs Bill. I expect the Bill to be before the House in the present session.
Is it not true that the Minister gave me a similar reply as far back at 28th March last and that the previous Government had legislation prepared in regard to the misuse of drugs? Can the Minister explain this long delay in getting something done about it?
I want to amend it in some respects. It will be before the Dáil this session.
It must be a completely new Bill as it is taking so long.