Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 262: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if there are charges pending regarding the operations of head shops; if so, the length of time since these charges were initiated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18364/10]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I am advised by the Garda Commissioner that he has tasked the Garda National Drugs Unit to co-ordinate a national strategic approach to ensure that 'headshops' do not breach the Misuse of Drugs Acts by selling any banned substances and where appropriate, for proceedings to be considered for any such breaches.

The Garda National Drug Unit in conjunction with District and Divisional drug units are continuing to monitor these outlets and the substances they sell.

In a number of cases to date substances have been seized which are subject of forensic analysis and Investigation Files have also been submitted to the Law Officers for direction.

I have also indicated my intention to bring forward proposals so that the full weight of the criminal law is brought to bear on the activities of 'headshops'.