Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 252: To ask the Minister for Health if he will outline the progress made to date in seeking to update the misuse of drugs legislation in relation to tackling the street sale of Benzodiazepines; and if he will outline the discussions, if any, he has had with the Department of Justice in relation to tackling the street sale of such drugs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31303/12]

Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 253: To ask the Minister for Health if he will outline any discussions he has had with the Irish Medicines Board in relation to the street sale of prescribed drugs such as Benzodiazepines; the role that the Irish Medicines Board will play in relation to tackling this matter; if he will outline if any additional powers are needed by the IMB in tackling this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31304/12]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 252 and 253 together. My Department is reviewing the Misuse of Drugs Regulations with a view to tackling the problem of prescription drugs such as benzodiazepine and z-drug medicines being traded illicitly. Part of that review includes a wide-ranging consultation process with key stakeholders, including the IMB and the Department of Justice as well as Customs and the Garda Siochána, on proposed amendments to the Regulations. These proposed amendments include the introduction of an offence of possession as well as import and export controls on such drugs, thereby assisting the law enforcement roles of Customs and of the Garda Siochána. The views expressed during the consultation process, now nearly complete, will be considered in any decision taken regarding amendments to the Misuse of Drugs Regulations.