Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We will of course engage with the Deputy to consider the legislation and seek views and opinions on it as well. For clarity, the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 is the responsibility of the Minister of Health, Deputy Stephen Donnelly, and we may need that engagement aspect as well. I get what the Deputy is trying to do here, though, and I fully respect his motivation, which is a concern around the impact this situation is having on young people and the dangers involved. I refer to the Deputy's description of it as roulette. As I said, nitrous oxide does have some legitimate uses and this is why traditionally it has not been on the Schedule to the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 nor, indeed, covered by the international drugs convention.

Offences in this regard do already exist, however, and I think the question from the Deputy concerns whether enough is being done to enforce them. I will certainly raise this matter with the Garda based on this discussion. For the record of the House, for anyone who follows these debates and for young people and their parents, I note it is already an offence to sell, import or export psychoactive substances, including nitrous oxide, for human consumption. This stipulation already exists under the Criminal Justice (Psychoactive Substances) Act 2010. We must get this message out and get the educational aspect out, and I will certainly be happy to consider the legislation.

See this speech in context