2717. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Health to outline the legislative action that will address other semi-synthetic cannabinoids being sold in Ireland; when such action will take place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41667/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, Minister for Health: Departmental officials, through their involvement in the EU Early Warning Network are made aware of new psychoactive substances, including synthetic cannabinoids, that may emerge both in Ireland and internationally. Once the required risk analysis has been carried out, evaluating if a substance has any industrial or medical benefit, whether it could be subject to abuse and presents a danger to public health the substances can be added to the Schedules in the Misuse of Drugs Regulations, SI 173/2017. This is an ongoing process and a number of substances including synthetic cannabinoids will be added to the schedules in the coming weeks.