Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

This is a very serious issue. There are serious drugs being peddled in these shops and they are causing life-long difficulties for young people. We have a duty in this House to address the problem. I recommend to Senators Norris and O'Toole that they introduce a Private Members' Bill on this matter and try to bring it through this House as quickly as possible. It is a matter of grave urgency. Something must be done about it immediately. I ask the Leader to invite the Minister, Deputy Harney, or the Minister of State, Deputy Curran, to address it in the House. The national drug control centre should also be involved. It is a total anomaly that head shops are allowed to operate. People are very concerned. Approximately 70 people were protesting this morning in Roscommon. This reflects concerns about such shops throughout the country. The shops represent the greatest growth industry and the drugs are extremely dangerous. They are a replacement for the illegal drugs that are available on the streets.