Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 March 2013
13. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the target date for the full commencement of new regulations under the Misuse of Drugs Act to deal with the trading of certain z-drugs; the dealing in and prescribing of benzodiazepines; his plans to deal with the sale of anabolic steroids; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14345/13]
View answerThe 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 and z-drugs. A consultation process has taken place with key stakeholders in relation to the proposed amendments, which include introducing import and export controls on benzodiazepines and z-drugs as well as an offence of possession, thereby assisting the law enforcement roles of Customs and of the Garda Siochána.
Anabolic steroids are currently subject to prescription control under the Medicinal Products (Prescription and Control of Supply) Regulations 2003 (S.I. 540 of 2003), which means they cannot be supplied except in accordance with a prescription. In view of their potential for abuse, it is proposed to place them under the control of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations by making it an offence to import anabolic steroids other than for medical purposes.
Draft Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) Regulations are currently being prepared and will be submitted for the Government's approval. Following this, it will be necessary to notify the proposed legislation to the EU Commission and Member States to complete the 3 month EU notification period under the Technical Standards Directive.
