Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 27 Feb 2001

Vol. 531 No. 3

Written Answers. - Prescription Medicines.

Gay Mitchell

Ceist:

228 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has satisfied himself that the prescription of morphine is sufficiently well monitored and accounted for and that evidence of potential abuse on overprescription gives rise to investigation. [5529/01]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin):

Morphine is a schedule two controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Acts, 1977 and 1984. Drugs in this schedule are regarded as particularly dangerous if misused. Morphine is subject to strict controls in relation to its manufacture, importation, supply, prescription and possession. Anyone in possession of the drug without an appropriate licence or prescription may be liable to a fine or imprisonment, or both, depending on the severity of the offence.

Arrangements for monitoring of medical prescriptions generally include inspections by inspectors of the pharmaceutical society of Ireland and information made available to health boards via the General Medical Services (Payments) Board. Where concerns arise in relation to controlled drugs referral may be made to the medical council or to my Department depending on the circumstances of the case.

The Acts allow for the setting up of a committee of inquiry where appropriate to investigate any suspected case of irresponsible prescribing of controlled drugs. The Acts also provide for the issuing of a special direction which would prohibit a medical practitioner from prescribing specified controlled drugs where such a practitioner is found to be irresponsibly prescribing. In addition, in accordance with the Medical Practitioners Act, 1978, the Medical Council can investigate complaints of misconduct by medical practitioners and, where aprima facie case is found, a fitness to practice enquiry can be established.

My Department's chief medical officer has communicated a number of times in the past few years with general practitioners concerning the need to exercise caution when prescribing controlled drugs and my Department will continue to monitor the situation to ensure that such prescribing continues to be done in a reasonable fashion.