Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 75: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his views on whether the introduction of a UK style drugs classification system would assist efforts to combat the spread of serious drugs such as heroin and cocaine; if he has had discussions with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform on the potential benefits of such a system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42845/06]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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While I have not had detailed discussions with either the Department of Justice Equality & Law Reform nor the Department of Health & Children on the specific issue of the introduction of a UK style drugs classification system, I do not think that the introduction of such a system would assist efforts to combat the spread of serious drugs such as heroin and cocaine and there are no plans at present to adopt such an approach.

Under the Misuse of Drugs Acts 1977 and 1984, the various offences created have associated penalties depending on the seriousness of the offence. These range from possible life imprisonment in the case of serious crimes involving drugs to lesser penalties for offences such as the possession of cannabis for personal use.

Possession of any controlled drug, without due authorisation, is an offence under section 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977. The legislation makes a distinction between possession for personal use and possession for sale or supply. Penalties for possession also depend on the type of substance and the penal proceedings involved (whether a summary conviction or a conviction on indictment is obtained).

I again stress the seriousness with which the Government is addressing the issue of substance misuse in Ireland and I do not think that the application of a UK style drugs classification system would strengthen our response in that regard.