Home > Dail Eireann debate. Written answer 374 - Proposed legislation [Head shops] [15224/10].

[Oireachtas] Dail Eireann debate. Written answer 374 - Proposed legislation [Head shops] [15224/10]. (20 Apr 2010)

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374. Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the actions she will take to restrict the operation of head shops and the sale of products that are causing great concerns to parents and medical professionals in view of the adverse reactions to these products that are now presenting at accident and emergency departments in hospitals here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. 

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney):  In the light of the health risks associated with some of the products being sold in so-called ‘head shops’, the Government has agreed to the introduction of regulations under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 which will introduce controls on a range of substances which are currently on sale in head shops. The substances concerned include:
      synthetic cannabinoids (SPICE products)
      benzylpiperazine (BZP) derivatives
      mephedrone, methylone and related cathinones
      GBL and 1,4 BD
 
Following the introduction of the regulations, the possession and sale of certain substances will be illegal and subject to criminal sanctions under the Misuse of Drugs Act while the possession and sale of other substances will be confined to use in legitimate industrial processes only.
 
In accordance with EU law, it is necessary to notify the European Commission of the proposed regulations and this imposes a 3 month stand-still period on the making of the regulations. The regulations were notified in early April and allowing for the stand-still period will be implemented at end June/early July.
 
The provisions of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 apply to named narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances listed in the Schedules to the Act. Substances are scheduled in accordance with Ireland’s international obligations or where there is evidence that the substances are causing significant harm to public health here. The list of substances is kept under constant review.
 
Vol. 706 No. 3  
Written Answers – Proposed Legislation
Tuesday, 20 April 2010

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