Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)

As there are serious social and health problems associated with the proliferation of head shops in this State, what is the position with regard to promised legislation? We hear from the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform outside the House, from the Minister for Health and Children, from the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Deputy Pat Carey and the Government Whip, Deputy John Curran, all of whom have indicated that they will tackle this problem, but none of whom has commenced any form of initiative. In terms of discussing promised legislation, what is the exact policy of the Government on head shops? Who is the lead Minister? What is the precise legislative framework, as promised by the Government on numerous occasions? It appears that one hand does not know what the other is doing.

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