The Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald says the effects of a new strain of cannabis are still unknown.

She was responding to a Déil question from Deputy Finian McGrath who asked if she is aware of a new variant of the drug which is said to make people more violent.

Minister Fitzgerald said there has been an emergence of new synthetic cannabinoid substances, both here and abroad, which present key challenges for international and national control mechanisms.

She also said a new Bill is currently being prepared to strengthen the Misuse of Drugs Act, to clarify the provisions under which Ministerial orders and regulations are made, and which will facilitate the further controlling of new psychoactive substances when deemed necessary.