asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that lethal doses of dangerous drugs can be freely obtained; and if he is satisfied that the controls exercised under the Dangerous Drugs Acts are adequate to prevent the unauthorised circulation of such drugs.

I presume that the Deputy is referring to drugs coming within the scope of the Dangerous Drugs Act, 1934. I am not aware that lethal doses of such drugs can be freely obtained. The controls under the Dangerous Drugs Act and the regulations made thereunder are generally adequate to prevent the unauthorised use of the drugs.

However, it is proposed to introduce legislation containing more comprehensive and flexible measures for the control of drug abuse generally which would incorporate the recommendations made by the Working Party on Drug Abuse in the matter.

Could the Minister give any indication of when this legislation will be introduced?

The Bill is being drafted and I imagine it will be introduced in the next session.