asked the Minister for Health whether he proposes to control the sale of certain drugs (names supplied).

The retail sale of two of the preparations referred to in the question is controlled under the Medical Preparations (Control of Sale) Regulations, 1966, and the Poisons (Ireland) Act, 1870, respectively. The preparations may only be sold by authorised persons such as pharmaceutical chemists and are subject to certain labelling requirements.

The other preparation—the first mentioned in the question—is not at present subject to statutory control but, in practice, it is only available to the public through pharmaceutical chemists.

I do not consider that at this stage I would be justified in imposing more stringent controls on the distribution of the preparations. However, I would be glad to review the position in the light of any relevant information on the matter which the Deputy may furnish to me.

Would the Minister be in a position to state what these drugs are?

I would rather not give the names.

The Minister has said that, if there is any evidence to suggest abuse, he will review the position. Could he name the drugs involved?

I am not going to give the names.