A bill tackling the illicit street sale of prescription drugs has been passed in the Seanad.
Minister for Health Simon Harris said he introduced the bill “as one part of the whole-of-government approach in dealing with the serious crime situation in the north inner city of Dublin”.
The Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) Bill 2016 was only introduced to the Seanad on June 23.
The legislation was not due for debate until the autumn but the Government decided to “expedite” it because of the “recent murders in Dublin’s north inner city,” he said.
The main aim of the bill is to bring certain prescription medicines — which are currently being sold on the streets — under the scope of the Misuse of Drugs legislation.
These drugs include the so-called z-drugs — zopiclone and zaleplon, which are ordinarily prescribed for the treatment of insomnia, but are being dealt on the country’s streets.
Former Cork City councillor and Fine Gael senator, Colm Burke, who is his party’s spokesman for health in the Senate, said he is happy the bill passed.
Source: Joyce Fegan, Irish Examiner, 01/07/16
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