Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

To ask the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the increasing use of anabolic steroids and the health dangers associated with this; if he will clarify the medical guidelines and the legal provisions regarding the regulation of the supply of these substances; and his views on the steps he is taking to address this matter. [4000/13]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

To ask the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 700 of 27 November 2012 and in view of the ongoing problem of over-use of Benzodiazepines, if all public consultation has now been completed; if he has communicated the intended alterations to regulations under the Misuse of Drugs Act that are relevant to the EU; and his target date for the commencement of the new regulations. [4238/13]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 679 and 699 together.

The Department is reviewing the Misuse of Drugs Regulations with a view to, amongst other issues, introducing additional controls on certain prescription drugs being traded illicitly, including benzodiazepine medicines. A consultation process has taken place with key stakeholders in relation to the proposed amendments, which include introducing import and export controls on benzodiazepines as well as an offence of possession, thereby assisting the law enforcement roles of Customs and of the Garda Siochána.

Anabolic steroids are currently subject to prescription control under the Medicinal Products (Prescription and Control of Supply) Regulations 2003 (S.I. 540 of 2003), which means they cannot be supplied except in accordance with a prescription. In view of their potential for abuse, it is proposed to place them under the control of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations by making it an offence to import anabolic steroids other than for medical purposes. Draft Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) Regulations are currently being prepared and will be submitted for the Government's approval. Following this, it will be necessary to notify the proposed legislation to the EU Commission and Member States to complete the 3 month EU notification period under the Technical Standards Directive.