145. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he plans to introduce legislation to regulate nitrous oxide. [6635/26]

Sentiment score: 0.18

Does the Minister have any plans to introduce legislation to regulate nitrous oxide and other inhalants? As we know, those who use nitrous oxide and other inhalants as a drug are putting themselves at serious risk. Last week, Private Members' time was used to discuss nitrous oxide in particular, and the Department indicated it required time to assess the issues. It is important, however, that greater action is taken to regulate the sale of nitrous oxide and other readily available inhalants. The sale of nitrous oxide for human consumption is a criminal offence but people are still getting their hands on it.

Sentiment score: -0.05

My question is probably wider than just the issue of nitrous oxide. It also concerns readily available inhalants like aerosols that we would all use, including deodorants. Last week at the Oireachtas Committee on Drugs Use, we heard from a broken-hearted mother and father who had lost their teenage son as a result of him having inhaled an aerosol. It is every parent's worst nightmare to lose their child. We have to look at all of these inhalants in the round. We cannot afford to sit around. We have to look at regulating this whole area.

Sentiment score: -0.11

I appreciate that. I genuinely feel that the whole education side of it is really important, as well as regulation. It has to be a two-pronged approach.

Sentiment score: 0.31