Debate contribution: Ketamine: Reclassification
Debate contribution by Mr Justin McNulty on .
- MLA
- Mr Justin McNulty
- Party at the time
- Social Democratic and Labour Party
- Date
- 11 March 2025
- Type
- Debate contribution
- Business
- Private Members' Business
- Heading
- Ketamine: Reclassification
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 4855763
Read the official Assembly record
Text
I welcome the opportunity to speak on the motion. Ketamine, originally developed as an anaesthetic for medical use, has become increasingly common in recreational drug use. It has a reputation for inducing dissociation, hallucinations and a distorted sense of reality, but the consequences of ketamine misuse are far more severe and far-reaching than many realise. Chronic use of ketamine can result in long-term damage to the bladder, liver and brain, and lead to such conditions as memory loss, cognitive impairments and the debilitating ketamine bladder syndrome, which was so shockingly and gruesomely described by Ms Bunting, and which often requires invasive surgeries. What makes the issue even more tragic is the loss of young lives. I think today of the family of young Jeni Larmour, in particular, from over the road from me in Newtown. Jeni was a bright and promising young woman, and she tragically passed away as a result of ketamine on her first night away at university in Newcastle. Her death is a stark reminder of the dangers that the drug poses, particularly to our youth. Jeni's family has been so courageous in speaking out about its loss, raising awareness of the devastating consequences of ketamine misuse and calling for action to protect others. Despite its grief, Jeni's family has become a powerful voice in the fight to raise awareness of the dangers of ketamine. The strength and resolve of the family are commendable, and we must honour Jeni's memory by ensuring that no other family has to go through such an unimaginable loss. At present, ketamine is classified as a class B drug in the UK. However, its dangerous and unpredictable effects make it clear that that classification is inadequate. A class B drug classification means that the penalties for possession and trafficking are far too lenient, especially when we consider the severe harm that the drug causes. The rising number of ketamine-related hospital admissions, particularly among young people, highlights how urgent the issue has become. Jeni Larmour's tragic death must be a turning point. It should be the catalyst for change in how we classify and address the misuse of ketamine. Reclassifying ketamine to class A would ensure that law enforcement agencies have the necessary tools to combat its distribution effectively. It would provide the foundation for more comprehensive public education programmes to raise awareness of the risks of ketamine, particularly among young people. Prevention is vital. By raising awareness, we can reduce the chances of more lives being ruined and more families being torn apart. Jeni Larmour's family has shown incredible courage in its grief, and its call for change should be met with a united response from all of us. It is time to act, before more lives are lost and more families suffer. The time for change is now. We have an opportunity to make a real difference, save lives and prevent other families from experiencing the heartache that Jeni's family continues to endure. Let us stand together in support of the reclassification — for Jeni, for her family and for all those whose lives are at risk.
516 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
Assessment
Jev’s structured answers met the documented threshold for “not flagged”.
- Overall probability that the activity is being used to promote, exploit or escalate an identity-based controversy: 0.03 (flagging needs at least 0.70; at or below 0.30 is not flagged).
- None of the five culture-war criteria was met (each was below 0.60).
- Assessed as legitimate policy scrutiny (0.92).
- No identity-based framing was identified (1.00).
- The overall probability was at or below the not-flagging threshold.
This is an AI-generated assessment of the text, made against published criteria. It is not a finding of fact about the MLA or their intentions. The Assembly record itself is the fact.
Jev’s structured answers
| Question | Probability | Met? |
|---|---|---|
| Identity framing | 0.02 | No |
| Sectarian or communal antagonism | 0.02 | No |
| Cultural grievance politics | 0.01 | No |
| Dog-whistle messaging | 0.02 | No |
| Controversy escalation | 0.02 | No |
| Legitimate policy scrutiny | 0.92 | Yes |
| Overall judgement | 0.03 | At or below not-flagging threshold |
| Option | Probability |
|---|---|
| No identity-based framing (chosen) | 1.00 |
| Reports or questions it | 0.00 |
| Criticises or condemns it | 0.00 |
| Adopts it | 0.00 |
| Subject | Probability |
|---|---|
| No identity-related subject | 0.87 |
| Sexism, misogyny, ageism and other equality groups | 0.05 |
| Gender, sexuality, abortion and related social issues | 0.03 |
| Legacy of the Troubles, victims and paramilitarism | 0.02 |
| Flags, emblems, symbols, names and memorials | 0.01 |
Assessed 21 October 2026 at 12:15 UTC by jev-1.13.0 (requested as typesafe/jev) under rubric 2026.10-r9, methodology 1.9.
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Classifications can be challenged. A person reads every challenge, and any change is recorded publicly above with its reason.