asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to a newspaper article (detailed supplied) attributing a statement to the Director of the Medico-Social Research Board that cannabis appeared to do little harm and was not as dangerous as cigarettes and the action it is proposed to take in this matter.

I have seen the article referred to. It reflected a personal view. I am aware that this view is not accepted by all experts in this field.

Cannabis and the controls which should be exercised in relation to it were discussed in considerable detail when the Misuse of Drugs Bill was being considered in 1977. It was then decided, on the evidence available to the House, that its sale or distribution should not be legalised. I have no reason to think that any change in that decision should now be made.

Arising out of the Minister's reply, is the Minister aware that the taking of soft drugs very often leads to the taking of hard drugs? Is the Minister further aware that, even if it is a personal opinion, a statement like this can do untoid harm to youths who are often mislead by foolish statements made by woolly-thinking individuals who should know better? Does the Minister intend to take any action in the matter?

I have made my position very clear by stating in the House that I have no reason to think any change in the decision made by the House previously should now be made.

The question I asked concerned people making such statements. Surely the Minister knows that making a statement like this is encouraging people to break the law of the land and that indeed, the drug squad have a hard enough time at present trying to deal with the increased number of individuals in Ireland who unfortunately are taking both soft and hard drugs. Can the Minister take no action against those people, who may call themselves progressive members of society but who are woolly-headed individuals, to make them cease making such statements?

The Deputy must bear in mind that he is referring to a newspaper report of a letter and if he reads the original letter he will find that it is not quite as the reporter put it. It made quite clear that: "Nevertheless, I do not know that we should go so far as to legalise yet another drug". That aspect was made quite clear in the letter. It was something that was taken out of context subsequently.

A prominent doctor made a similar statement a few years ago.

: I am not responsible for the personal statements or views of individuals.