Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 December 2012
316. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health when he expects the misuse of drugs legislation to be updated to tackle the street sale of Benzodiazepines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57582/12]
View answer317. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the current cost of Benzodiazepines prescribing to the GMS system; the steps being taken to address over prescribing; the estimated cost to the GMS system of over prescribing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57583/12]
View answer319. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 146 of 21 September 2012, if he will furnish the data promised; if he will provide current figures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57590/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 316, 317 and 319 together.
Benzodiazepines, as a group of medicines, are commonly used to treat anxiety, sleep disturbance and insomnia. Benzodiazepines are known to be associated with dependence and withdrawal symptoms and consequently are primarily recommended for short-term treatment only. There is increasing evidence of the inappropriate use of benzodiazepines in Ireland.
The 'Z drugs' are a group of medicines (zopiclone, zolpidem and zaleplon) which are used to treat insomnia. They have a shorter duration of action than benzodiazepines. However, there are increasing reports of dependence and misuse of these substances also.
Overuse of benzodiazepines is an international issue and not specific to Ireland. The International Narcotics Control Board 2009 statistics show that Europe has the highest average consumption of benzodiazepines internationally. In its 2009 Report the INCB noted that it has observed a growing international problem of abuse of prescription medicines, including opiates, benzodiazepines and codeine.
My Department is reviewing the Misuse of Drugs Regulations with a view to, amongst other issues, introducing additional controls on certain prescription drugs being traded illicitly, including benzodiazepine medicines.
My Department has consulted with key stakeholders in relation to the proposed amendments, which include introducing import and export controls as well as an offence of possession, thereby assisting the law enforcement roles of Customs and of the Garda Siochána. It is anticipated that new legislation will be introduced in early 2013. The Health Service Executive is responsible for the administration of the GMS scheme and the cost of benzodiazepine prescribing within that scheme. The HSE has therefore been asked to examine this matter and I will revert to the Deputy as soon as possible with this information.
