asked the Minister for Health in view of recent press investigations and the evidence produced by the Bluebell and Inchicore Anti-Drug Committee, Dublin 8, the steps, if any, he intends taking to curb the substantial practice of prescribing and dispensing synthetic opiate drugs; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Synthetic Opiate Drugs.
29.
Synthetic opiates serve a very legitimate and necessary purpose in the treatment of certain medical conditions and most such products which are prescribed and dispensed are used in this context.
However, there has been an increase in the incidence of irresponsible prescribing of controlled drugs by a small number of general practitioners, mostly based in the greater Dublin area. We have now prohibited a number of these general medical practitioners from prescribing controlled drugs and the prescribing habits of a small number of others are being actively monitored. We will not hesitate to refer practitioners for investigation by committees of inquiry as provided for in the Misuse of Drugs Acts when the evidence warrants it.
I should also mention that my Department recently issued a document, jointly drawn up by the Medical Council and the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland, to all doctors and pharmacists in the country setting out recommendations on the prescribing and dispensing of controlled drugs. These recommendations emphasised that practitioners should not treat patients from outside their practice areas for addiction problems by prescribing controlled drugs. Practitioners are advised to refer such patients to recognised drug treatment centres.
Notwithstanding these arrangements, I would like to assure the Deputy that the general availability of and controls applicable to synthetic opiates are kept under constant review.