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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 30 May 2001

Vol. 537 No. 3

Written Answers. - Substance Abuse.

Gay Mitchell

Question:

168 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there has been a 150% increase in the use of Rohypnol in date rape cases over the last two years; the steps which he is taking to alert women to the dangers of this drug; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16328/01]

I have not been made aware that there has been an increase in the use of Rohypnol in date rape cases over the last two years. The Garda authorities have informed my colleague, Deputy O'Donoghue, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform that there have been no sexual offences reported to the gardaí in which the use of Rohypnol has been detected. The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform has 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.

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.
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.
The manufacturers of Rohypnol have also included a coloured dye in its formulation, so it is easier to detect if it is secretly administered to a person's drink.
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 in the coming months.
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