Maria Corrigan (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy John Curran to the Chamber and join colleagues in paying tribute to his tremendous work and commitment in this area. I also pay tribute to my colleague, Senator Wilson, for ensuring this debate took place so as to raise this very important topic.

Head shops and their products have generated a new set of challenges for us in the fight against dangerous substances. Tragically, the consequences have been that deaths have occurred, allegedly following the use of substances bought in such shops. These deaths have been devastating for the families involved. I extend my sympathies to all families affected. A great deal of publicity has been generated, but it is important to bear in mind that other forms of devastation have resulted too, not just death. We do not have figures for the exact number of lives that have been ruined or human potential destroyed, whether as a result of physical health problems encountered afterwards or the psychological or mental health challenges people have had to face, such as the onset or psychosis, brain damage, depression, etc. We must appreciate that these are very real life-altering consequences with which people have to live for the remainder of their lives.

A Garda Síochána study has shown that many of these substances, when analysed, were found to contain really disturbing products, including scheduled poisons. Undoubtedly some of the substances available can be associated with unrealised consequences for some of the people using them. The packaging is facetious and almost contemptuous.

Colleagues have referred to the fact that the UK has banned certain substances. There is a very real danger for Ireland in that. The danger, as the Minister of State previously outlined, is that Ireland could become a dumping ground for these products. All those stocks ordered within the UK need to be passed on because they no longer can be used legally. That is something we must guard against. There is a concern that such substances can provide a gateway to harder substances. Colleagues have referred to another gateway product worthy of a debate in the Seanad in its own right, namely, alcohol and alcohol abuse.

I will conclude by warmly welcoming the comments of the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney, in particular the focus she intends to bring to bear on this in conjunction with other Departments. The Minister of State, Deputy Curran, is spearheading an interdepartmental focus on head shops and I support Senator Wilson's call for the establishment of all-party approach to the problem, drawing on everybody's expertise. However, I welcome, in particular, the Minister's focusing on the chemical ingredients as well as the emphasis on product liability, consumer safety and opening hours.

Many families affected by this have campaigned very strongly. One of the effects and consequences of such campaigns is that at a minimum they have ensured greater awareness among the public of the dangers presented by these products. Senator Mullen referred to the need for behavioural change, but we know that this can only happen if we bring about a proper level of awareness and education. I pay tribute to the time devoted by families, despite their grief, to campaigns to ensure public awareness of these very dangerous products. I wish the Minister of State well in tackling this very complex but urgent area.