Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 November 2012
228. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health if he has reviewed the recent findings of the National Advisory Committee on Drugs Drug Prevalence Survey for 2010/2011; his views on the finding that there were statistically significant increases in both the lifetime and last year prevalence of sedatives and tranquilisers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50660/12]
View answerI have reviewed the latest Bulletin of the Drug Prevalence Survey 2010/11 on Sedatives, Tranquillisers & Antidepressants which was published by the National Advisory Committee on Drugs on 23 October.
The survey found that 13.9% of those aged 15-64 years used sedatives or tranquilisers in their lifetime, with 6.5% using these drugs in the past year. This shows an increase from 10.5% and 4.7% respectively from the previous survey in 2006/7. Appropriate use of sedatives and tranquilisers plays an important role in facilitating the health and well-being of many people. However, I am concerned about the health risks associated with their inappropriate or long-term use and their more widespread availability.
The survey findings will further inform my Department in the review of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations with a view to imposing additional controls on benzodiazepine and z-drugs. Legislative amendments being considered include the introduction of an offence of unauthorised possession as well as import and export controls on such drugs. It is also proposed to tighten the prescribing and dispensing rules applying to these drugs. I hope to bring forward legislative proposals in this area in the first half of 2013.
