Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2020
352. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to the surge in recreational use of nitrous oxide in the form of whippets; and if his Department has provided guidance to An Garda Síochána on its control. [12587/20]
View answerThe Department of Health leads on Government policy in this area is guided by the national drugs strategy "Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery - a health led response to drug and alcohol use in Ireland 2017-2025".
This represents a whole-of-Government response to drug and alcohol use in Ireland. Implementation of the Strategy is led by my colleague, the Minister for Health and the Minister of State with special responsibility for the National Drugs Strategy and Health Promotion, although the Strategy of course includes actions for all stakeholders, including my Department and An Garda Síochána.
I understand that An Garda Síochána is aware of the potential health issues that arise as a consequence of the misuse of nitrous oxide and that it is engaging with relevant state bodies in that regard. However this is not a controlled substance under the Misuse of Drugs Acts and is outside my remit as Minister for Justice and Equality.
Requests for information in relation to the misuse of nitrous oxide would better be directed to the Department of Health, the HSE and the Health Products Regulatory Authority, which I understand has previously issued advisories or made public comment on the misuse of this substance.
