Simon Harris backs plan to tackle dealing of prescription drugs

Stricter controls to help gardaí in tackling street dealing of prescription drugs are to be fast-tracked and brought before the Dáil in the coming weeks.

The proposed ban on the unauthorised possession of the drugs, including benzodiazepines, comes following concerns over the growing trade in the drugs in Dublin’s inner city. Health Minister Simon Harris told the Irish Examiner that long- awaited legislation would be enacted before the summer recess.

The development comes as Taoiseach Enda Kenny prepares to visit Dublin’s inner city this week, following a spate of gangland-linked murders there. There has been a rise recently in numbers presenting with addiction problems with benzodiazepines and overdoses linked to the tranquilliser.

Gardaí say crime gangs are trying to run the supply of its trade and so-called z-drugs, which are hypnotic sedatives.

Benzodiazepines and z- drugs are controlled under existing misuse of drugs legislation whereby it is illegal to sell them without a prescription. Extending this legislation will make it an offence to possess the drugs without a prescription.

Benzodiazepines: Proposed ban on unauthorised possession.

Speaking to the Irish Examiner, Mr Harris said: “I am determined to play my part in tackling the issue of drug misuse and the enforcement of the law relating to the sale of drugs, including prescription drugs. I believe stricter controls need to be brought forward urgently to assist An Garda Síochána in tackling the problem of street dealing of prescription medicines. For this reason, I asked my department to find a way to bring forward this element of the Misuse of Drugs legislation as quickly as possible. I intend to bring the bill before the House in the coming weeks,” he said.

Reviews of legislation on the possession of certain prescription drugs began in 2013, but were derailed by a constitutional court challenge which overturned existing drug laws. Emergency legislation reinstated those last year but complicating factors put back work on banning the street use of certain prescription drugs.

Reacting to the proposals last night, Tony Geoghegan, chief executive of Merchant’s Quay Ireland, said: “Benzos are a problem on the streets. The awareness of users is badly affected. Gardaí can currently stop and confiscate them, but it’s a grey area.”

He said more resources for services were needed.