Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

It is approximately a month since I raised with the Taoiseach the issue of the widespread street dealing and abuse of benzodiazepines. This is now the substance of choice in the case of many with substance abuse problems. No doubt it is a serious issue. At the time I stated that new regulations had been drawn up 18 months ago and the Taoiseach undertook to check what had happened to those regulations to tighten the prescribing, possession, etc., of benzodiazepines, but I did not hear back from his office. Does he know at this point what is happening on this area?

The second issue I want to raise with the Taoiseach is the successful conference held on Monday on the question of this country's unhealthy relationship with alcohol. Given that the issue of alcohol sponsorship has been kicked to touch to a large extent and put into a process, what is the timescale for the long-promised public health alcohol Bill? When can we expect to see that?

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