Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 269: To ask the Minister for Justice and Law Reform if he is satisfied that the recent legislation passed by the Dáil has resulted in the closure of all the head shops here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39279/10]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The Criminal Justice (Psychoactive Substances) Act 2010 is one element of the Government's multi-pronged approach to targeting the activities of so called 'headshops' and the sale of unregulated psychoactive substances. The Act works in tandem with the ongoing controlling, as appropriate, of identified harmful substances by the Department of Health and Children through the Misuse of Drugs legislation and the National Drugs Awareness campaign which is highlighting the dangers of the use of psychoactive substances.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Criminal Justice (Psychoactive Substances) Act, 2010, which came into effect on 23 August, 2010, has had an immediate effect in significantly reducing the number of 'headshop' outlets operating in the State. As of 4 November, 2010, only 12 such outlets continue to operate in the State. I am further informed that none of these outlets have been found, or are suspected of being, involved in the sale or supply of harmful psychoactive products. In contrast, the information provided to me in May of this year by the Garda authorities indicated that there were 102 headshops operating in the State at that time. I am satisfied that the operation of the Criminal Justice (Psychoactive Substances) Act 2010 has had a significant impact on the operation of such outlets. I can assure the Deputy that the situation will continue to be closely monitored by senior Garda management.