Denis Naughten
Ceist:670 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health his plans to ban the use of methoxetamine as a legal high; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21973/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 1 May 2012
Ceisteanna (595)
Freagraí scríofa
Methoxetamine is a substance which is related to ketamine and its use is associated with hallucinations. Ketamine is a controlled substance under the Misuse of Drugs Acts. To date, in Ireland, a small number of samples found to contain methoxetamine have been seized by Gardaí. My Department works closely with the Department of Justice and Equality, the Gardaí, the Revenue Customs Service, the Forensic Science Laboratory, the Irish Medicines Board and others to monitor the emergence of new psychoactive substances with a view to bringing these substances under control where necessary. Approximately 200 substances were controlled in May 2010 and a further 60 in November 2011.
Furthermore, the Criminal Justice (Psychoactive Substances) Act 2010 makes it a criminal offence to sell or supply substances which may not be specifically controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Acts, but which have psychoactive effects. My Department in conjunction with other relevant organisations is closely monitoring availability of methoxetamine, and I will not hesitate to seek Government approval to ban the substance based on evidence that it poses a risk to public health.