[Oireachtas]
Dail Eireann debate. Written answers 62 & 74 - Garda operations [28288/10, 25778/10].
(30 Jun 2010)
External website: https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/2...
62. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the number of head shops raided by gardaí since the ban on certain substances took effect on 11 May 2010; the substances and quantities of same confiscated; the numbers arrested, charged and against whom prosecutions are pending; the number of head shops open for business here during the week immediately succeeding the ban; and the number open for business now. [28288/10]
74. Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the number of headshops which have reopened since he announced a criminal ban on a list of headshop products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25778/10]
Minister for Justice and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern): I propose to take Questions Nos. 62 and 74 together.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that prior to the regulation of certain psychotropic substances on 11 May, 2010 there had been 102 Head shops operating in the State.
Following on the banning of these substances, supplemented by an intensive Garda operation, on 4 June, 2010 36 headshops were known to be operating nationwide. On 14 June records at the National Garda Drug Unit showed 44 headshops operating.
The situation is being closely monitored by the Commissioner, his senior Management team and D/Chief Superintendent, Garda National Drugs Unit.
As the Deputy is aware I last week progressed the Criminal Justice (Psychoactive Substances) Bill 2010 through the Seanad and it is intended to have this legislation enacted before the recess.
Under the Bill, the sale or supply of substances which are not specifically proscribed under the Misuse of Drugs Acts, but which have psychoactive effects, for human consumption will be a criminal offence.
The Bill will give appropriate powers to An Garda Síochána and the courts to intervene quickly to prevent outlets from selling these products by way of appropriate prohibition orders. The Scheme will also contain full search and seizure powers for the Gardaí and Revenue’s Customs Service. The Bill is part of the Government’s multi-pronged approach targeting the activities of head shops.
Vol. 714 No. 1
Written Answers. – Garda Operations
30 June 2010
Publication Type
Irish-related
Drug Type
Substances (not alcohol/tobacco)
Intervention Type
Crime prevention
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