Dr. Eamon Keenan:

On the potency issue, it is a factor for the HSE because with higher-potency substances, we get more referrals. If one looks at what is happening for those aged under 25, the substance causing the most referrals is cannabis. Some 40% of our referrals relate to cannabis. That has increased year on year as a result of the increase in potency. It has a knock-on effect for health. We have to respond to that because we are the treatment providers.

On the labs, I wish to mention our national red alert group. For the first time, the labs have sat down with us around the table and we are working collaboratively on responses around nitazenes. The Deputy is right in that previously, analyses of drugs were done on the basis of a prosecution but we need greater emphasis on the analysis of the content of drugs to see the potency and if there are other contaminants. That is what the national red alert group chaired by the HSE does. The laboratories, An Garda Síochána, HSE emergency management, the ambulance service and the emergency departments are sitting around the table looking at these emerging trends. The Deputy is right - these new substances create lots of difficulties and we need to know what they are.