Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)

On promised legislation, I remind the Taoiseach that in recent weeks, notably since the House rose for the Easter recess, a number of disturbing attacks have been made on so-called head shops throughout the State. I have a record of eight such attacks involving petrol bombs, arson and explosive devices. The Minister for Health and Children has given some commitments on dealing with the issue, the Minister of State, Deputy Curran, has expressed responsibility and the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform recently entered the fray by promising legislation. What is the Government response to the matter of head shops, with particular reference to attacks on such premises involving criminal gangsters and dissident republicans? The Government appears to be standing by and allowing these incidents to take place all too frequently.

According to the legislative programme, the Minister for Health and Children is unable to indicate the possible date on which the legislation to license these facilities is expected. What is the story? What Departments are involved in this matter and what action, by way of legislation, will the Government take on this issue?

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