Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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159. To ask the Minister for Health the status of the Misuse of Drugs Act in order that Garda can begin acting upon it accordingly, in relation to street dealing of tablets. [34823/16]

Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) Act 2016 was passed by the Oireachtas on the 27th July 2016. The primary purpose of the Act is to protect public health by bringing certain substances which are open to misuse and known to be traded on the illicit market under the scope of the Misuse of Drugs legislation, thereby aiding the law enforcement activities of An Garda Síochána. These include so-called z-drugs - zopiclone and zaleplon.

The Act also controls the benzodiazepine phenazepam and a number of new psychoactive substances which Ireland is required to control under our EU and UN obligations, as well as two substances found in the headshop drug ‘Clockwork Orange’.

Controlling the substances in the Act was part one of a two-step process. Regulations and various Orders are also required to allow legitimate users (e.g. patients with a prescription, health professionals) to possess the substances. Four associated SIs are required to be made concurrently. Drafting of these Regulations and Orders is complex and technical in nature, involving significant consultation with State Agencies, but is at an advanced stage. Various sections of the Act will be commenced when the associated regulations are ready and this should happen in the coming weeks.