Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 4 February 2004
215 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will make a statement on the strategy he has in place to deal specifically with the use of benzodiazepines and the trade in prescribed drugs which is becoming a major problem. [3249/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, I have responsibility for co-ordinating the implementation of the national drugs strategy which contains 100 actions for the relevant Departments and agencies to carry out. However, I regret to inform the Deputy that I have no responsibility for the specific matter in question.
In relation to the use of benzodiazepines, my colleague, the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Martin, has responsibility for matters pertaining to the prescription of these drugs and my colleague, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy McDowell, has responsibility for matters relating to the illegal trade of prescribed drugs.
