Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

The UK legislation to which the Deputy referred is running into trouble at the moment with regard to its adequacy and whether it can be implemented properly as envisaged. Thus, I am afraid it is not a question of cut and paste. I acknowledge the work the Deputy has done and ask him to contact the Minister for Health and Children and provide her with any documentation that could be helpful in dealing with these issues. The Minister will deal with it constructively. We are currently preparing regulations which will introduce controls similar to those introduced in the UK - although, as I said, the legislative initiative in the UK has run into trouble. These regulations pertain to a range of substances that are on sale and need to be regulated. Perhaps the Deputy could convey the work he has done to the relevant Minister and we will seek to assist him.

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