Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 186: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps An Garda Síochána have taken to ensure that alternative medicine or health shops are fully compliant with the law in the products they are selling particularly those advertised as legal highs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34752/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I have been informed by An Garda Síochána that offences under the Misuse of Drugs Acts 1977/84 refer to the possession, or possession for the purpose of sale or supply, of substances which are contained in the First Schedule of the Act. Any breaches of the criminal law reported or uncovered by members of An Garda Síochána are fully investigated and, where sufficient evidence is adduced, charges are preferred, as directed by the Law Officers.

An Garda Síochána is aware of the location of such outlets referred to as 'Headshops', which purport to retail substances, advertised as giving a 'legal high'. A number of investigations in respect of products sold at these outlets have been completed and files submitted to the Law Officers for direction. An Garda Síochána will continue to monitor the activities of such outlets and investigate any breaches of the criminal law.