Vol. 531 No. 5
130 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of incidents which were reported regarding the use of rohypnol to facilitate sex offences, the steps he will take to stamp out this practice and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6387/01]
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that there have been no sexual offences reported to the Garda in which the use of rohypnol has been detected.
My colleague, the Minister for Health and Children, has informed me that flunitrazepam, which is the active ingredient in rohypnol, has been classified as a schedule 3 controlled drug in this country since 1993. As a result, unauthorised possession is an offence and rohypnol may only be obtained on foot of a prescription from a medical practitioner. Doctors prescribing rohypnol must comply with the special prescription-writing requirements as set out in the Misuse of Drugs Regulations, 1988, and the chief medical officer of the Department of Health and Children has written various letters to general practitioners concerning the need to exercise caution when prescribing controlled drugs. Furthermore, rohypnol should be stored in a controlled drugs cabinet in accordance with the Safe Custody Regulations, 1982.
I have been assured by the Garda authorities that they constantly monitor and analyse the incidence of drug misuse from the perspective of patterns and trends and that they remain vigilant with regard to the use of this particular drug.
