A bill tackling the illicit street sale of prescription drugs has been passed in the Seanad.

DRUGS Minister Pat Carey said he was “taken aback” by RTÉ’s silence over Gerry Ryan’s cocaine death and said the broadcaster had “sold itself short” in not coming out earlier.

Experts are warning about a new liquid form of cocaine after three people were hospitalised suffering from the effects of the drug.

DRUGS Minister Noel Ahern caused a bit of stir when he suggested that prison authorities should provide clean needles for drug addicts in prison.