Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 80: To ask the Minister for Health and Children when legislation to ban the sale and distribution of substances sold in head shops and to provide for the closure of head shops will be introduced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20273/10]

Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 118: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her plans to introduce further measures to control items sold in head shops; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20190/10]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 80 and 118 together.

In the light of the health risks associated with some of the products being sold in head shops, the Government made an Order on 11 May declaring a number of substances, commonly referred to as so-called "legal highs", to be controlled drugs under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977, with immediate effect.

The substances controlled include:

synthetic cannabinoids (contained in SPICE products),

benzylpiperazine (BZP) and piperazine derivatives,

mephedrone, methylone, methedrone, butylone, flephedrone, MDPV,

Gamma butyrolactone and 1,4 Butanediol.

Under this new legislation, it is now an offence for a person to import, export, produce, supply or possess these legal high substances.

There have been reports in the media that Head Shop owners may seek to circumvent the new controls by importing other substances that are currently not subject to the Misuse of Drugs Act. I will not hesitate to seek Government approval to ban additional substances if any of them pose a risk to public health.

I should also mention that my colleague, the Minister for Justice and Law Reform, is currently bringing forward urgent legislation that would make it a criminal offence generally to supply unregulated psychoactive substances for use by humans.