asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the very serious problem arising from the pushing of medication issued to the terminally ill and known among heroin users as naps; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Medication Prescribing for Terminally III Patients.
23.
I am aware of the incidence of abuse of the drugs referred to by the Deputy for some time and I can assure the House that it is my intention to take whatever action it is necessary to take to stamp out any such abuse.
This matter has been the subject of investigation by my Department, in conjunction with the Department of Justice and the Garda Síochána. I am now, under the powers available to me under the Misuse of Drugs Acts, 1977-89, in the process of establishing committees of inquiry into incidents of alleged improper prescribing involving a number of general practitioners.