...Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí: I want to raise the issue of nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, with the Minister. Because it is used in medical, industrial and commercial applications, nitrous oxide is cheap and accessible, but it is also extremely harmful. I am sure the Minister has seen the discarded containers, small silver bullets and big industrial containers. You see them in parks, car parks and playgrounds across the city. It is a big disposal issue and a nightmare for Dublin City Council and other local authorities. I went to a waste-to-energy plant recently and saw first-hand the damage they can cause because they explode in the combustion chamber, causing shutdown and a potential risk to staff. A recent Department of Health report states that services are needed 24-7 to meet the needs of all those who use these substances, as well as highlighting a need to tackle nitrous oxide use at source among children and young people. We need an urgent and comprehensive cross-government response to what is a clear danger to young people, in particular, in our society today.

Deputy Darragh O'Brien: I agree with the Deputy. It is a clear danger. I chaired the north Dublin regional drugs and alcohol task force for about ten years and we saw the increased prevalence of nitrous oxide or laughing gas, the small canisters which are being used for recreational purposes by a lot of our young people. It is a matter that the Department of Health and the Minister of State with responsibility for the drugs strategy are aware of. It is a legal product when used correctly, so there are complications in that regard, but I will again refer directly to both the Minister and the Minister of State on this and let them know that the Deputy has raised this matter here and to seek an update on the progress and work on this issue.