Misuse of Drugs

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 July 2013

Thursday, 18 July 2013

Questions (666)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

666. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 649 of 21 May 2013, if he will provide an update on when the legislation will be commenced. [36002/13]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Alex White)

Draft Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) Regulations are currently being prepared to introduce stricter prescribing and dispensing controls on benzodiazepines, anabolic steroids and z-drugs. It is planned to finalise the draft Statutory Instruments shortly and publish these on the Department’s website as part of a written consultation process. This will be followed by a 3 month EU notification period required under the Technical Standards Directive because of the implications of the proposed regulatory changes on trade in pharmaceutical products. Government approval will then be sought to amend the legislation.