Government legislates to tackle psychoactive substances
Minister Pat Carey, minister with responsibility for the National Drugs Strategy, has said that measures passed at cabinet today will send out a “clear message”, especially to young people, about the dangers of psychoactive substances sold through headshops.
Pat Carey, T.D. Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs welcomed the measures taken by his colleagues, Mary Harney, T.D and Dermot Ahern, T.D. to counter the threats posed by headshops and psychoactive substances.
Mary Harney, T.D., Minister for Health and Children will implement controls under the Misuse of Drugs Act on a broad range of psychoactive substances, commonly referred to as “legal highs”, which are sold in headshops and through the internet. The regulations make the possession and sale of the substances involved illegal and subject to criminal sanctions.
Minister Carey stated “The controls introduced today constitute a significant measure to tackle the issue of the psychoactive substances currently being supplied here in Ireland via the internet and through headshops. It sends a clear message to those taking these products, especially young people, that these are dangerous and harmful drugs.” He continued “Psychoactive products on sale in Ireland will continue to be monitored and any other products with a detrimental health effect will be added to the list of controlled substances”.
In addition Dermot Ahern, T.D. Minister for Justice and Law Reform brought legislative proposals to Government today to make it a criminal offence to sell or supply substances that are not prohibited under the Misuse of Drugs Act, but that have psychoactive effects on humans. “As soon as these proposals have been accepted by Government the drafting of this legislation will begin” said the Minister.
“These steps form a part of the inter-departmental response being pursued by Government to develop effective responses to the threats posed by headshops and psychoactive substances” stated Minister Carey.
