Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 22 Oct 1992

Vol. 424 No. 2

Written Answers. - Distribution of Leaflet in Schools.

Eric J. Byrne

Question:

78 Mr. Byrne asked the Minister for Education if his attention has been drawn to the wide-spread distribution in schools of an unsigned leaflet alleging that drug-laced tattoos (transfers) are being distributed to unsuspecting school children and that these tattoos are laced with LSD which can be absorbed through the skin, simply by holding the paper to it; if he can verify the source of this information and the authors of this leaflet; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Education (Mr. S. Brennan)

I am aware that an unsigned leaflet has been sent to a number of schools in the Dublin area in which it is alleged that transfers or tabs containing a new type of drug are being distributed to children.

The matter has been discussed by my Department with the Garda authorities and with the Department of Health. I am informed that LSD may be found impregnated into paper or in microdot form but that it was more often abused in the Dublin area in the 1970s than has been the case in recent times.

The Gardaí have not found any of these transfers or tabs recently. I understand that while it may be theoretically possible to absorb LSD through the skin it is highly unlikely that it would provide any effect. The origin of the leaflet referred to is unknown.

I wish to assure the Deputy that my Department are in regular contact with the Department of Health and the Gardaí about any such reports.