Three and a half years ago, I raised during Questions on Policy or Legislation the use of nitrous oxide, also known as hippie crack, as recreational drug, and asked that the Government put in place legislation to regulate its sale. To date, this has not been done, and this Sinn Féin Bill, sponsored by my colleagues, Mark Ward and Seán Crowe, is a timely response to the Government's failure to put forward similar legislation. The use of nitrous oxide has become pervasive in many communities across Ireland, particularly among more economically disadvantaged communities. A number of years ago, it would not be uncommon to find large quantities of discarded small silver canisters along the footpaths of estates or around greens. These piles of small canisters are less commonly seen now and have been replaced by larger, fast gas canisters, which can be bought for as little as €20 or less. The hundreds of discarded canisters lying around estates, parks and rural areas pose an environmental hazard, particularly for wildlife, domestic pets and livestock. Those using this gas are putting their health at risk. Doctors have warned of the dangers of using the gas. It has caused neurological damage and can even cause frostbite burns, which can be so severe that some children using the gas have needed skin grafts, which has led to permanent scarring. The gas is released at sub-zero temperatures and if this is inhaled, it can cause severe injury to the mouth, throat and lungs, as well as potentially rupturing lung tissue. Emergency departments are increasingly seeing cases of young people showing progressive nerve damage in their arms and legs. The sheer volume of canisters that are being found in communities every day shows that they are far too easily accessible. There are even reports that children as young as ten are using the gas. The use of nitrous oxide as a recreational drug has now become a major public health issue. This is a gas whose intended use is for medical and industrial purposes. It should not be freely available for purchase by the general public. This Bill takes a common-sense approach whereby access to these gas canisters is regulated and only sold through licensed suppliers, thereby ensuring they only go to the people who are meant to have them. I urge the Government to support this Bill and help to safeguard our children and communities from this pervasive and harmful gas.

Sentiment score: -0.21