Representatives from the HSE and the Department of Health and Children told the Committee that following the introduction of legislation last month, Gardai visited the 102 head shops throughout the country and requested that proprietors voluntarily hand over their merchandise. The same approach was taken for wholesale outlets.
This action, in addition to the legislation has had a clear impact in reducing the number of these outlets. The Committee also heard that as well as the legislation brought in by the Department of Health, the Department of Justice intends to introduce criminal legislation which aims to ensure that the sale or supply of substances which may not be specifically proscribed under the Health legislation, but which have psychoactive effects, will be criminalised.
Some Committee members expressed the view that this legislation was taking a long time and that a directive from the Department of the Environment to bring head shops under planning legislation which would prohibit their establishment close to schools and pubs as well as restricting their opening hours would help.
Committee Chairman, Sean O’Fearghail TD said;
“The sizeable reduction reported today in the number of these shops has to be a positive thing. These outlets have no place in Irish society and seek to exploit people for profit.
We welcome that a significant number have gone out of business, but we must remain vigilant and ensure that we stay ahead of those who are determined try and get around the law to peddle their wares.
The Committee also heard of an update from the HSE regarding a drugs awareness campaign on the dangers of psychoactive substances available through head shops.
Source: The Houses of the Oireachtas, 03/06/2010
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