Mr. Justin Kelly:

Thanks, Commissioner. Yes, we absolutely share your concerns around this, Chair. We actually have made significant seizures of nitrous oxide in large amounts. One of the concerning things for us was that, a couple of years ago, we targeted a transnational organised crime group involved in cocaine.

Connected to that activity, we saw the group was also importing and supplying large amounts of nitrous oxide, particularly the large canisters. Organised crime groups will look anywhere they can to make money and are always trying to diversify. That is no doubt the situation with nitrous oxide.

The Cathaoirleach correctly identified that we have a lacuna in legislation in respect of nitrous oxide. As he noted, the problem is there is an absolutely legitimate use for it, particularly in catering, which is being abused. My colleagues in the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau sit on a number of interdepartmental groups, including one under the Department of Health, at which this issue has been raised. There are various proposals for what direction we should go on this. It is a very difficult situation for our people on the front line in particular. It is hugely concerning that young people are not aware of the damage this substance can do, as shown by lots of medical surveys.