An Cathaoirleach: We have apologies from Deputy Máire Devine and Senator Lynn Ruane. Deputy Ó Murchú will be stepping in at some point for Deputy Devine.

I am delighted to open the 12th public meeting of the joint committee. Today we will be discussing the rising use and dangers of nitrous oxide and other inhalants. We are joined today by witnesses from the Health Research Board: Dr. Suzi Lyons, head of national health information systems with responsibility for the national drug treatment reporting system and the national drug-related deaths index; and Dr. Deirdre Mongan, research officer with responsibility for the national drug strategy and early warning system for drugs. From the HSE we are joined by Professor Bobby Smyth, consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist with adolescent addiction, Mr. Joe Doyle, national lead for social inclusion services and Ms Mary O'Kelly, integrated healthcare area manager. On behalf of the committee I also extend the warmest welcome to Mr. Dermot Maguire and Mrs. Yvonne Maguire, who are attending today's meeting in a personal capacity. Yvonne and Dermot are the parents of Daniel Maguire, a 14-year-old boy from Huntstown who died tragically in 2025 following the inhalation of aerosol deodorant. We are enormously grateful to Mr. and Mrs. Maguire coming in today and providing their testimony to the committee. We will all benefit from it massively.

Mr. Dermot Maguire: I thank Deputy Gannon and the committee for allowing us the opportunity to share our son Daniel's story. It is not easy.

Daniel was a marvellous young man. He was a beautiful young boy. He had the personality. He loved the gym. He had a huge group of friends. He was really fit and really healthy. He is the middle son of three boys. He was the best friend to Andrew, who was only 17 months younger. He idolised his older brother Adam. who is 24 years old. He is a huge loss not only to the family but to the community and his school as well...

[Click here to read the full debate on the Oireachtas website]