Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)

It is about secondary legislation. Yesterday, the Cabinet approved secondary legislation to ban a number of toxic chemicals on sale in head shops. The Taoiseach told the House previously that he has to get approval from the European Commission before such legislation can be implemented. I raised the matter the week before last with the Tánaiste. Would it be possible to sign the statutory instrument, pending approval from the European Commission, in light of the fact that it is similar to legislation that has been passed in the UK and has already been with the Commission for the past two months? It is also similar to legislation that has already been enacted in other EU countries to ban some of these toxic chemicals. It would address the issue of these shops advertising their products as being legal. Will the Taoiseach ensure that the secondary legislation is signed, even on a temporary basis, pending formal approval?

Can the Taoiseach revert to me on pending secondary legislation under the Planning and Development Act 2000. I understand the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Gormley, is examining the possibility of drafting secondary legislation requiring head shops to have planning permission. When will that secondary legislation come before the House?

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