Misuse of Drugs Act amendments
The Minister said the Act was under review with the Attorney General, Garda and Director of Public Prosecutions, and that amendments would be introduced as early as possible if needed. He acknowledged the Act’s inadequacies and the seriousness of drug abuse, but could not give a timetable and would consider a special committee.
(Dublin North-West) asked the Minister for Health if she intends to amend the Misuse of Drugs Act, 1977.
Comment on this
The provisions of the Misuse of Drugs Act, 1977, are currently under examination in my Department. If necessary, amending legislation will be put before the Oireachtas when this examination has been completed.
Comment on this
(Dublin North-West): When is the review expected to be completed and when it is completed will the Minister consider the setting up of a special committee of this House in the event of amending legislation being considered necessary for the purpose of studying such amendments as happened when the previous legislation was enacted?
Comment on this
I have not considered the request by the Deputy for the setting up of a committee to deal with this very serious problem. While I share his concern in that regard, I wish to inform him that, following a communication from the Attorney General to the Minister, the Act is being reviewed and discussed with the Garda and with the Director of Public Prosecutions. Amending legislation will be introduced in the Dáil as early as possible but I cannot give the Deputy any indication of when that might be.
Comment on this
(Dublin North-West): Is the Minister aware that the longest sentence for a drug pusher, who himself was free of drug abuse, has been one year and two months and that there is widespread concern among parents, particularly those of schoolgoing children, because of the amazing inefficiency of the Act? The widespread misuse of drugs has reached crisis proportions.
Comment on this
I am fully aware of that and it is because of the inadequacies of the Act that the Attorney General took steps to have the situation brought before the proper authorities. As I have said, discussions in that regard are taking place. I am only too well aware of the seriousness of the problem. As far as I am concerned no delay will occur until such time as the amending legislation is brought before the House. I am sorry I cannot give the Deputy a more definitive answer as to when, but I will consider the point he has mentioned about the committee.
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