Vol. 433 No. 1
253 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Health his views on whether GPs are overprescribing controlled drugs for drug abusers; if he will give details of the controlled drugs which are being over-prescribed; the measures, if any, he intends to introduce to prevent such over-prescribing; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The use of controlled drugs by drug abusers, mainly morphine sulphate and physeptone, is closely monitored by my Department in co-operation with the Garda Síochána. Where there is evidence to suggest that such drugs are being over prescribed immediate steps are taken to ensure that the practice ceases. In this context, information has been furnished by my Department to general practitioners regarding the treatment of drug abusers and action has been taken under the Misuse of Drugs Acts, 1977 to 1984 in recent years in relation to general practitioners considered to have been prescribing morphine sulphate irresponsibly.
With regard to physeptone, which is also liable to abuse by drug addicts, a revised Protocol on its prescribing is being finalised.
