144. Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the steps taken to deal with hallucinogenic substances other than magic mushrooms; if consideration has been or will be given to considering such substances, including magic mushrooms, as Class B drugs. [26827/06]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney): The Misuse of Drugs Regulations 1988, arising under the Misuse of Drugs Acts 1977 and 1984 set out in Schedules 1 to 5 the specific restrictions, exemptions and obligations which apply to various controlled substances. Substances included in Schedule 1 have the highest level of control whereas substances in Schedule 5 are subject to less stringent controls. Schedule 1 mainly includes hallucinogenic substances which are not recognised in this country as having legitimate medical use and as such are not generally available through normal commercial channels. The use of these drugs is, by virtue of the Misuse of Drugs (Designation) Order, 1998, limited primarily to scientific research or forensic analysis. The production, supply (including administration) and possession is, in all cases, subject to special licensing. Examples of drugs in Schedule 1 are cannabis and cannabis resin, raw opium and ecstasy. Psilocin and Psilocybin, the active ingredients in magic mushrooms, and magic mushrooms in their raw state are already included in Schedule 1.

Vol. 623 No. 2 Written Answers Wednesday, 5 July 2006