Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Question 312: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if there is any empirical evidence to support the claim that the number of head shops operating here has fallen to 36 from over 100 since the recent banning of certain products (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25192/10]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Question 313: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a census or count of head shops has been carried out by the Garda; the number of outlets in operation by town and county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25193/10]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 331: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of head shops known to the Garda; the number of these that the Garda knows to have shut down after new substances were added to the banned list; the number of head shops that the Garda knows to have reopened; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25541/10]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 312, 313 and 331 together.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that up to April 26 2010 there were 102 head shops operating in the State.

As the Deputies will be aware, on May 11 2010, further regulation of certain psychotropic substances was implemented, supplemented by Garda visits to the premises in question, and a number of these premises subsequently closed down.

Both prior to and since the regulation of these substances the Gardaí have continued to monitor the operation of such premises. I am now advised by the Garda authorities that as on June 10 Garda National Drugs Unit records show that a total of 48 head shops are now operating nationwide. Information in relation to their location by Garda Division is set out in the table below.

I am assured that this situation is being closely monitored by the Commissioner, his senior management team, and the Detective Chief Superintendent of the Garda National Drugs Unit.

In addition, the Deputy will be aware of my legislative proposals in relation to outlawing the sale of psychotropic substances. The Minister for Health and Children is also keeping the list of banned substances under review.

Number of head shops operating nationwide to 10 June 2010: