78. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health  for an update on addressing the legislation deficits to deal with the massive quantities of Z-drugs sold freely, particularly in Dublin city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36263/15]

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin):  A Bill to amend the Misuse of Drugs Act so as to allow the Government to declare substances to be controlled and to clarify the provisions under which Ministerial orders and regulations are made is currently being drafted and is listed in the Government Legislative Programme for publication in 2016. This will once again allow regulations to be made and, if necessary and appropriate, bring under the scope of the Act new substances, including certain z-drugs, and allow the introduction of stricter or less strict controls on substances which are already covered under the legislation. It is already an offence under the Misuse of Drugs Regulations to possess with the intention of unlawful supply z-drug zipeprol.

It is important to note that the problem of abuse of z-drugs will not be solved by regulations alone, and that prescribers need to ensure that these substances are only prescribed as appropriate.