Vol. 419 No. 7
118 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the action taken when a doctor is reported to be irresponsibly prescribing controlled drugs; whether such action has been taken against doctors, and if he will make a statement on the matter.
There is provision under the Misuse of Drugs Acts, 1977 and 1984 for the establishment of a Committee of Inquiry into cases where there is prima facie evidence of the irresponsible prescribing of controlled drugs by a general practitioner and to make recommendations to me on the matter.
In proven cases of irresponsible prescribing it is open to the Minister to issue a Special Direction prohibiting the Doctor from prescribing some or all controlled drugs and a number of such Special Directions have been taken.
