I move:
That leave be granted to introduce a Bill entitled an Act to regulate and licence the sale of nitrous oxide to exempted purchasers, to prohibit the sale of nitrous oxide and nitrous oxide products to a person who has not attained the age of 18 years, and to provide for related matters.
I welcome yesterday's comments by the Taoiseach that legislation was needed to tackle the misuse of nitrous oxide. Today, I introduce the Sale of Nitrous Oxide and Related Products Bill 2025 with my colleague Seán Crowe.
You only have to walk through any park or housing estate in Dublin and beyond to see discarded nitrous oxide canisters. When I first noticed them in my area, they were small, silver, one-use canisters known locally as "silver bullets". Over time, this has changed to large industrial-sized canisters known as "fast gas". These large canisters are sold on the street by unscrupulous dealers making fast profits from the sale of nitrous oxide. Manufacturers are also marketing their product to children so they can sell to them. A report published by the HSE's adolescent addiction service showed a 22% increase in the number of young people attending that service who were taking nitrous oxide, which was a 175% increase in a year. That only captures young people who have to the attention of addiction services.
The widespread use of nitrous oxide is resulting in antisocial behaviour, litter and damage to people's health. Young people are playing Russian roulette when they use this gas. Inhaling nitrous oxide cuts off oxygen to the brain and gives a light-headed, giddy effect. This is where the term "laughing gas" comes from. I will tell the Minister of State that laughing gas is no laughing matter. A neurology specialist in the Mater hospital has warned of an increase in the number of patients suffering severe nerve damage after inhaling nitrous oxide. It was also reported that the gas causes a range of sensory issues, including numbness to the hands, feet and extremities, serious issues with balance, problems with heart rate and mental health issues. Earlier this year, we saw reports of an increase in young people presenting at health services after getting frostbite from using nitrous oxide. Some of the patients presented with burns around their lips and fingertips, which can take some months to resolve.
There is also an environmental impact. Several incinerators and waste management facilities across Europe suffered major damage when canisters exploded in their furnaces and compactors.
This legislation will restrict the sale of nitrous oxide for commercial use only. This is similar to legislation introduced in Holland, where authorities are regulating the use of nitrous oxide outside the medical and catering industries. This Bill will not criminalise the young person simply for possession of nitrous oxide, but it will give the Garda more power to seize-----
