191. Mr. O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children  the availability of benzylpiperazine here; if the pills pose any health risks. [4670/07]

Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney): The Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 and regulations made thereunder regulate and control the import, export, production, supply and possession of a range of named narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances listed in the Schedules to the Act. Substances are scheduled under the Act in accordance with the Department’s obligations under international conventions and/or where there is evidence that the substances are causing significant harm to public health in Ireland, which could merit the criminalisation of their sale and use. Benzylpiperazine (BZP) is currently not a scheduled substance under the Act.

The list of scheduled substances is kept under review on an ongoing basis. In particular, the Department reviews any evidence that substances are being abused and are causing significant harm to public health. For example, last year the law surrounding psychotropic (magic) mushrooms in their raw state was clarified in the light of evidence of increased availability and significant harm being done and it is now an offence to sell or possess magic mushrooms. A risk assessment is being carried out at EU level on BZP. This engages the relevant experts across the EU to assess the possible health and social risks/consequences of the identified substance and the implications of placing it under control. The results of the risk assessment will be presented to the Council, the European Medicines Agency and the Commission for a decision on whether BZP should be subjected to control measures. Control measures and penalties are decided according to national laws which in turn comply with UN conventions.