808. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of nitrous oxide cannisters that have been seized by an Garda Síochána in 2024, 2025 and to date 2026; the way they being stored; the way they are being disposed of; the cost associated with this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34308/26]

Jim O'Callaghan, Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration: The operational management of seizures by An Garda Síochána, including the storage and disposal of seized items, is a matter for the Garda Commissioner.

I am advised, by the Garda authorities, that nitrous oxide is not captured under a structured field on PULSE and as such is not easily identified or extracted from the PULSE system. As a result An Garda Síochána are not in a position to provide the number of nitrous oxide cannisters seized, nor the associated storage, disposal or cost figures requested.

Nitrous oxide has a range of legitimate medical, industrial and commercial uses and is not controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Acts or the International Drug Conventions. However, under section 3 of the Criminal Justice (Psychoactive Substances) Act 2010, it is an offence to sell, import or export a psychoactive substance, including nitrous oxide, for human consumption.

The Department of Health leads on Government policy in the area of drugs through the national drugs and alcohol strategy, Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery – a health-led response to drug and alcohol use in Ireland 2017–2025, which represents a whole-of-Government response to substance misuse.

The Act provides significant penalties for offences, including fines and terms of imprisonment. Revenue Customs Officers are responsible for monitoring and seizing importations of nitrous oxide into the State.

The HSE and An Garda Síochána remain aware of the issues surrounding nitrous oxide misuse, and the HSE continues to support awareness of the associated health risks among young people, parents and youth organisations