Skip to main content
Normal View

Special Committee Misuse of Drugs Bill, 1973 debate -
Wednesday, 3 Dec 1975

SECTION 2.

Debate resumed on amendment No. 9; to delete subsection (6).

We were discussing amendments Nos. 9 and 10 together; amendment No. 9 is in the name of Deputy Haughey.

I promised to look into certain things at the last meeting. Some inquiries were made with regard to the qualified persons and we spelled out in detail the " qualified persons ", except in the case of pharmacist. I promised to circulate a note describing exactly what their qualifications were. The important thing is that the vast majority of the people we were referring to are pharmaceutical chemists. On section 2, Deputy Haughey, and Deputy Byrne had amendments. My original proposal was that in respect of regulations that would change items in the categories from one to another, or add or delete, it would be done by an order. I proposed in section (2) (6) that the order would not be made until a resolution approving the draft had been passed by each House.

There seemed to be a certain amount of sympathy by the members here in that regard. A dangerous drug or a drug that would normally be controlled may come on the market and it might take quite a long period before effective action could be taken, particularly during recess of the Dáil or Seanad. I have consulted the Attorney General and he agrees that an order could be made which would bring into effect immediately any changes, deletions or additions there might be. I propose to accept Deputy Haughey's amendment and, therefore, I do not think there would be any necessity for Deputy Byrne's amendment.

It will mean that section 35 (3), will have to be amended.

Yes, as a consequence.

Amendment agreed to.
Amendment No. 10, by leave, withdrawn.
Question: " That section 2, as amended, stand part of the Bill," put and agreed to.
Top
Share