James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 196: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will take immediate action to ensure that all products sold in head shops are regulated by an appropriate body; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45861/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Items available for sale in so-called 'head shops' are currently not scheduled under Misuse of Drugs legislation. The list of scheduled substances is kept under review on an ongoing basis: for example, in 2006 psychotropic ('magic') mushrooms, which were on sale in such outlets, were banned. Furthermore, following the European Council of Ministers' decision in March 2008 to bring Benzylpiperazine (BZP) under control, my Department will be introducing regulations to give effect to this decision within the March 2009 time-frame set by the Council.

In addition, there are well established communication channels and co-operation between my Department and the Gardaí, the Customs and the Irish Medicines Board and this helps to ensure that the need for further regulatory control is continuously under review.