Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 67: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the steps, arising from a statement (details supplied) regarding the decision to ban benzylpiperazine, planned to enforce the ban and to ensure that this substance is withdrawn from sale; her plans for a public awareness campaign to alert people as to the dangers of this substance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16731/09]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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On 31 March 2009, Benzylpiperazine (BZP), one of the so-called 'party' or 'happy pills' available for sale in 'head shops' was declared a controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 (Controlled Drugs) (Declaration) Order 2009. This means that the possession and sale of BZP are now illegal. A press release issued from my Department on 31 March and there was considerable media coverage of the ban on BZP. Head shops possessing supplies of BZP must dispose of those stocks or risk prosecution under the Misuse of Drugs Acts. Enforcement of this measure is a matter for the Gardaí who have powers under the Misuse of Drugs Acts to search premises and to seize supplies of BZP which have not been disposed of.