Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 37: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he proposes to re-categorise cannabis here in view of proposals to do so in the UK; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18827/08]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 46: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the concerns raised by health agencies with him in relation to the compelling evidence that cannabis can create serious illness such as schizophrenia; the action he has taken to highlight such effects; the meetings he has had with the Department of Health and Children to determine the action that will be taken to highlight such effects and to protect the users against such effects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18828/08]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 37 and 46 together.

In Ireland we do not utilise a similar type of drugs classification mechanism to that used in the UK. While the proposed re-classification of cannabis in the UK is a matter for their Government, I do note with interest the increased level of concern about this drug that is reflected by that proposal.

The control of drugs in Ireland is regulated by the Department of Health and Children under the Misuse of Drugs Acts 1977 and 1984. Under these Acts the importation, exportation, production, supply and possession of a range of named narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances are regulated and controlled. The list of scheduled substances is kept under review on an ongoing basis. In particular, the Department of Health and Children reviews any evidence that substances are being abused and are causing significant harm to public health.

I understand that the Home Secretary in the UK made the request for the reclassification of cannabis in the light of "real public concern about the potential mental health effects of cannabis use, in particular the use of stronger forms of the drug, commonly known as skunk." In this context, the Deputies should note that skunk has higher levels of TetraHydroCannabinol (THC), the active hallucinogenic chemical in cannabis, than is found in other forms of the drug.

The 2002/2003 All Ireland Drug Prevalence Survey found a prevalence rate of 3% for skunk among current (last month) cannabis users. The corresponding figure from the second such Survey in 2006/2007 is lower at 1.2%. Cannabis resin continues to be the main form used in Ireland, though there are some indications that demand for herbal cannabis is rising.

Health agencies have not raised specific concerns with my Department in relation to the evidence that cannabis can give rise to serious illness such as schizophrenia nor have my officials had recent discussions with the Department of Health and Children on this specific matter. However, I do not underestimate the potential damage that cannabis use can cause. The National Advisory Committee on Drugs (NACD) 2004 publication An Overview of Scientific and Other Information on Cannabis highlighted these dangers, including the heightened risk of schizophrenia, particularly for those with a predisposition towards that illness. Meanwhile, the current National Drugs Awareness Campaign focuses on cocaine, though previous campaigns targeted young people aged 13 to 17 years with messages on the dangers of cannabis use.

I can assure the Deputies that the dangers of cannabis will not be underestimated and that broad supply reduction and prevention measures will continue to focus on that drug as the National Drugs Strategy continues to be rolled out.