Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2020
405. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Health the strategy being developed by his Department and other organisations in conjunction with parents and others to discourage the usage of nitrous oxide (details supplied) in view of the widespread availability among young users. [11655/20]
View answerThe Government is committed to a health-led approach to drug use, as set out in the national drugs strategy Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery, a health-led response to drug and alcohol use in Ireland 2017-2025.
One of the objectives of the strategy is to prevent the use of drugs and alcohol at a young age. Raising awareness of the risks of substance use and increasing understanding of the harmful effects on health and wellbeing is an important part of prevention.
The Department of Health works with the HSE, the Department of Education and Skills and drug and alcohol task forces to raise awareness of the dangers associated with substance misuse and to promote health and wellbeing.
The US National Institute of Drug Abuse considers nitrous oxide as an inhalant which includes solvents, aerosols and gases found in household products. It is also an anaesthetic used by dentists and medical professionals to sedate patients undergoing minor medical procedures.
The selling of Nitrous Oxide canisters for human consumption is an offence Contrary to Section 3 of the Psychotic Substance Act 2010.
The HSE Drugs.ie website provides a comprehensive range of information and supports related to substance use. Nitrous oxide has been previously highlighted by the HSE as an emerging issue. It warned young people about the danger of using nitrous oxide through a media release in January. New content has been added to Drugs.ie outlining the effects and risks associated with nitrous oxide.
Parents play an important role in educating young people on the risks regarding substance abuse. Evidence based content is available on Drugs.ie regarding nitrous oxide, as well as a HSE booklet providing advice for parents on how to talk to young people about the risks associated with drug and alcohol use.
Recently, the HSE launched Know the Score, the first national evidence-based resource on alcohol and drugs for senior cycle students. It aims to engage young people in exploring and considering a wide range of topics related to the risks associated with alcohol and drugs.The Department of Health, as part of the introduction of the Health Diversion Programme, is providing €100,000 in 2020 to the HSE for the development of a national harm reduction campaign to raise awareness of the risks associated with drug use. This will include the use of club drugs, festival drug use and new trends. While this campaign was originally scheduled for the latter part of 2020, this timetable may need to be revised given the draw on resources in dealing with Covid 19.
We must be vigilant in protecting young people from the dangers of substance misuse, including nitrous oxide. I believe a multi-faceted approach, involving online resources, in-school interventions and targeted awareness campaigns, can best promote the health and wellbeing of young people.
