Phil Prendergast (Labour)

I welcome the Minister and the recent statement in the Dáil from the Minister of State, Deputy John Curran, who has charge of the national drugs strategy. He indicated that bringing head shops under a stricter regulatory code was being examined. He referred to the Minister, Deputy Harney, with responsibility for the Misuse of Drugs Act. I was somewhat surprised by this because it is laggardly not to have addressed this issue. The Minister, rightly, banned magic mushrooms more than four years ago but it has taken some time to address the legal sale of other psychoactive substances. The magic mushroom ban fell far short of what was required. There is a warning that a fairly rigorous approach is required. The issue is back in the public glare again and featured on Joe Duffy's "Liveline" today. I suppose it will be the subject of many debates, but has never really gone away during the past four years. The Minister took action after the death of a young man allegedly after the use of natural hallucinogen - I cannot say the word now, but the House understands what I mean-----