Written question asked by Martin Smyth (Ulster Unionist Party) on Wednesday, 12 February 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 4 March 2003. It was answered by Lord Browne of Ladyton (Labour) on Tuesday, 4 March 2003 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Northern Ireland Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, if he will make a statement on the availability of Rohypnol in Northern Ireland; and what mechanisms are in place to ensure that Rohypnol is attained by the public solely for its prescribed purpose.

Answer: Rev. Martin Smyth: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the availability of Rohypnol in Northern Ireland; and what mechanisms are in place to ensure that Rohypnol is attained by the public solely for its prescribed purpose. [98374] Mr. Browne: Rohypnol (Flunitrazepam) is subject to the same legal controls and prescribing restrictions in Northern Ireland as are in force within the rest of the UK. It is a prescription only medicine (POM) which may be only prescribed on private prescription. It is a Schedule 3 drug under the Misuse of Drugs Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2002 and as such prescriptions written for it must comply with both prescription and handwriting requirements under the Regulations. Stocks of the product are subject to safe custody requirements. The Misuse of DrugsInspector (NI) is responsible for inspection and monitoring activities and enforcement action where appropriate. Routine and unannounced inspections are carried out on practitioners, pharmacists, trust and private hospitals, pharmaceutical manufacturers and wholesalers, and research and clinical trial establishments to ensure compliance with legislative controls, agreed standard operating procedures, good practice guidelines and safe custody requirements.

Secondary information