Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 30 Jan 2001

Vol. 529 No. 1

Written Answers. - Drug Restrictions.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

665 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the restrictions in place with regard to the prescribing of Rohypnol; the quantities in which it is sold; the plans he has to introduce further restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1775/01]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

Flunitrazepam, which is the active ingredient in Rohypnol, has been classified as a Schedule 3 controlled drug in this country since 1993. The drug was reclassified in 1993 in response to reports of misuse and its rescheduling makes unauthorised possession an offence. The regulations also require that doctors prescribing Rohypnol abide by the special prescription writing requirements and Rohypnol should be stored in a controlled drugs cabinet in accordance with the Safe Custody Regulations, 1982. Under the terms of the Misuse of Drugs Acts, 1977 and 1984, I may issue a special direction prohibiting prescribing by practitioners or pharmacists convicted of offences under these Acts.

It is a matter for each practitioner to determine the appropriate treatment of a patient and where Rohypnol is indicated in treatment a practitioner will decide on the quantities for that patient. However, the product authorisation issued by the Irish Medicines Board for Rohypnol states that treatment with Rohypnol should be as short as possible, depending on the indication, but should not exceed four weeks for insomnia and eight to twelve weeks in case of anxiety, including tapering off process.

Rohypnol may only be obtained on foot of a prescription from a medical practitioner and there is a need for a greater awareness among medical practitioners of the problems which can arise when Rohypnol or other controlled drugs are prescribed in an inappropriate fashion. My Department's chief medical officer has written various letters to general practitioners concerning the need to exercise caution when prescribing controlled drugs.

Rohypnol falls into the group of drugs know as benzodiazepines. I set up a committee last June, whose terms of reference are to examine the current prescribing and use of benzodiazepines, to consider recommendations on good prescribing and dispensing practice, paying particular attention to the management of drug misusers, and to make recommendations as appropriate. I expect this committee to report to me by the middle of this year.