Written Answers. - Rohypnol Use. – Dáil Éireann (28th Dáil) – Wednesday, 4 Mar 1998

Written Answers. - Rohypnol Use.

Question:
21 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the measures taken in the United Kingdom to control the use of Rohypnol; the measures, if any, he will take to control the use of this drug; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3210/98]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

I understand that Rohypnol will shortly be reclassified in the United Kingdom, under the UK Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, from being a schedule 4 controlled drug to a schedule 3 controlled drug.

Flunitrazepam, which is the active ingredient in Rohypnol, and its preparations have been classified as schedule 3 controlled drugs, under our Misuse of Drugs Acts, 1977 and 1984, since 1993. The action now being undertaken in the United Kingdom will bring the situation in that country into line with what has pertained in this country for the past 5 years. The drug was reclassified in this country in 1993 in response to various reports of misuse and as a result unauthorised possession became an offence and it has been made more difficult for drug misusers to gain access to it. Doctors prescribing Rohypnol must comply with the special prescription writing requirements as set out in the Misuse of Drugs Regulations, 1988. Furthermore, persons, such as doctors and pharmacists, having the drug in their lawful possession must keep it in safe custody in accordance with requirements of the Misuse of Drugs (Safe Custody) Regulations, 1982.

Dáil Éireann debate - Wednesday, 4 Mar 1998