Dublin North T.D. Darragh O’Brien has welcomed the Taoiseach’s commitment in the Dáil today to have tough new legislation tackling dangerous Headshop products passed in the coming weeks to protect the public from very harmful substances.
“There is growing concern about a new drug, ‘Whack’, which is causing serious alarm and having very serious health affects on young people who’ve taken it,” said Deputy O’Brien.
“The HSE and the National Poisons Information Centre have an alert in place in relation to this drug. It’s resulting in increased heart and breathing rates, cases of anxiety and even cases of psychosis.”
“I’ve been working closely with the Minister for Justice and Law Reform Dermot Ahern on the need for a strong and comprehensive Government response to the problem of Headshops and the dangerous products their selling.”
“I’ve spoken to the Minister about this new drug and I was pleased to hear the Taoiseach today reaffirm his commitment to having the legislation passed in this session.”
“The Taoiseach told the Dáil that the legislation is being drafted at the moment and will be presented as soon as it’s ready. I want to see this legislation rushed through the Dáil to protect the public and I hope the opposition will support it fully.”
The Criminal Justice (Psychoactive Substances) Bill will make it a criminal offence to sell or supply substances that are not already covered by Misuse of Drugs Acts but do have psychoactive effects on consumption.
“This issue has caused great alarm. I have seen it firsthand among parents in my constituency with Headshops in Malahide, Swords and Balbriggan. I want to assure parents that under this bill the Gardaí and the Courts will also be given the power to intervene quickly and prevent outlets from selling these dangerous substances,” concluded Deputy O’Brien.
Source: www.finnafail.ie, 16/06/2010
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