Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

What is the situation concerning a Government decision on the children's referendum? Does the Taoiseasch expect to make that during this session, so that we can have clarity on when the Government intends to hold it? I know the Taoiseach has some work to do before that.

I support the efforts being made by the Minister in respect of head shops. Many Deputies from both sides of the House have already raised this matter. The issue is whether one brings in really strict regulations or attempts to ban these premises completely. People in Dublin are now receiving leaflets through their doors advertising a home-delivery service of the products on sale in head shops, with a mobile phone number to make contact. According to the leaflets, the service is available from Thursday to Sunday from 7 p.m. to 4 a.m., and there is a delivery charge of €10 on top of this. I quite understand that if one makes a serious attempt to ban something completely one can drive it underground with consequences such as these.

I am just bringing to the attention of the Taoiseach that this is what is happening on the streets of estates in Dublin currently. I will send this leaflet to the Minister with responsibility for the issue, although he may already have received one. I am sure the Government Whip is aware of the issue. This issue is brought home in stark reality to people when a father sits in front of them and says his 16 year old has spent three weeks in hospital because of a €5 substance he bought with others in a head shop, but the doctors cannot determine what is wrong with him and he has almost died on two or three occasions. That is quite frightening. I support efforts from the Government to deal with this serious situation.

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