Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for his important question. As he knows, the ban on the sale of vapes to under-18s has just come into force. We are working on new legislation on packaging which has gone out to public consultation. We are all very aware of how young people are being targeted. Regarding the enforcement question which the Deputy asked, it has been implemented and enforcement is happening and we will be keeping it monitored.

Regarding nitrous oxide, for the first time I have allocated €1.5 million for education and evidence-based prevention measures. They will raise awareness around drugs and alcohol addiction. This part of the response in relation to nitrous oxide. I completely support An Garda Síochána in relation to this. This is about education and prevention as well. Parents, youth workers, communities and schools all have a part to play in the programmes I am funding as Minister of State with responsibility for the national drugs strategy.

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