David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he has estimates of the amount and value of prescription drugs seized by An Garda Síochána on an annual basis and the possible sources of the prescription drugs seized; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8822/13]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The information requested by the Deputy is published on an annual basis in the Annual Report of An Garda Síochána, which are available at www.garda.ie.

Further to the currently available information, I am informed that provisional figures for the period 1 January to 30 June 2012 have been prepared and these are provided in the following table.

Generally speaking there are a number of ways in which prescription drugs can become available on the illegal market, including both their illegal importation into the State but also the diversion of the domestic legal supply of prescription drugs.

In tackling this illicit trade, An Garda Síochána continues to works closely with all of the relevant State agencies tasked with the enforcement of Misuse of Drugs legislation and Medicines legislation including the Revenue Customs Service and the Irish Medicines Board.

Furthermore, I can advise the Deputy that the illicit trade in prescription drugs has given rise to a recent review of our legislative provisions governing the supply of such drugs. In this regard, my Department is liaising closely with the Department of Health, who have the primary legislative responsibility in this area.

Arising from the review, proposals are currently being developed which will result in a tightening of the controls on the supply and use of these drugs, as deemed necessary, bearing in mind the need to maintain their legitimate use as appropriate.

Prescription Drug Seizures made by An Garda Síochána 2012 Quarters 1 & 2*

* Information based on analysis carried out at the Forensic Science Laboratory during the period 1 January to 30 June 2012. This data is deemed to be provisional.