John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)

Okay. You might furnish the committee with a note on whether there is ongoing with the Garda or if that investigation has concluded.

I have a couple of other issues I want to flag with regard to drugs. An issue that has become very prevalent in every town and village across the State is the issue of nitrous oxide, which to me is hugely concerning. There is evidence I have seen in my own community where kids as young as 12 years of age are taking nitrous oxide. I know there are issues there with regard to what gardaí can and cannot do. From my ongoing engagement with gardaí, who it has to be said do brilliant work in Wicklow, they have expressed concerns about the legal status of nitrous oxide and their inability to seize it. The providers of this very dangerous substance are openly and actively selling this online and are targeting, in my mind, certain demographics. It is predominantly aimed younger people, and I have concerns. I have a specific question. Different pieces of legislation have been brought forward by the Opposition. Have you concerns about nitrous oxide? Do you think specific legislation is required to enable the Garda to tackle this dangerous substance? There is obviously a catering necessity for it but it is being used incorrectly.