143. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the proliferation of head shops which have opened here; his views on same; if his further attention has been drawn to the products on sale through these outlets; his views on whether the consumption of such products might lead to the involvement in the consumption of illicit substances and that some of the substances on sale in these outlets should be barred in the interest of public health; if the gardaí have given consideration to this development or expressed concern with regard to this developing phenomenon; the action he will take or the legislation he will bring forward in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39805/09]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern):  I am aware of the recent emergence in the State of outlets commonly known as ’Headshops’ and I have been assured by the Garda authorities that the activities of such outlets are closely monitored by An Garda Síochána to ensure compliance with the law, in particular with the Department of Health and Children’s Misuse of Drugs Acts 1977/1984.

A number of these types of premises have already been subject of a Garda investigation for suspected breaches of the law, resulting in the submission of investigation files to the Law Officers. A targeted policing operation took place earlier this year whereby searches were conducted in 25 outlets nationwide and products seized during these searches have been submitted to the Forensic Science Laboratory for analysis. Pending the outcome of same, investigation files will be submitted to the Law Officers in course for directions as what charges, if any, should be preferred. I am also assured by the Garda authorities that these kinds of outlets referred to by the Deputy will continue to be monitored for compliance with the law.

Furthermore my colleague Minister John Curran, Minister of State at the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, who has responsibility for co-ordinating the National Drugs Strategy, has identified head shops as a particular area of concern, and in conjunction with relevant Departments and Agencies, is currently considering the options available to more effectively control the activities of such shops. In terms of the further specific controlling of substances on sale in headshops as the Deputy will appreciate that is a matter which falls under the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Health and Children, under the Misuse of Drugs Acts 1977/1984.

Vol. 692 No. 6

Written Answers. National Drugs Strategy.

Thursday, 5 November 2009