I move amendment No. 1: To delete all words after "That" and substitute the following: "Dáil Éireann resolves that the Sale of Nitrous Oxide and Related Products Bill 2025 be deemed to be read a second time this day nine months.". Following on from my colleague, the Minister, Deputy Jim O'Callaghan's earlier remarks, I too commend the Deputies on their Bill, which attempts to address the scourge of nitrous oxide misuse and its damaging effects on public health, communities and young people in particular. While we share the aim and acknowledge the intentions behind the Bill, the Government is not convinced that this approach is the correct way of achieving it. However, I commend Deputies on their willingness to explore solutions to this problem. In my role as Minister of State with responsibility for the national drugs strategy, one of my main priorities is to respond to emerging trends and to reduce the harm caused by misuse of substances. Prevention and awareness are crucial, which was brought up tonight. I am mindful of that in helping our young people as they navigate a society where the drugs and substance situation is evolving. I know we spoke about the drugs strategy. We have not had a drugs strategy in ten years. It is nearly ready. I should have it in the next few days for the committee. Everything is changing all the time. It is important that we are ahead of this, how we look at it and how we get the right solutions. I am also conscious that there is a major environmental problem with the disposal of the canisters, which are seen littering many of our towns and villages. The HSE continues to monitor the use of nitrous oxide, which is commonly known as laughing gas. As other speakers have said, it is most commonly known as laughing gas. It is important to tailor appropriate and targeted messages. Targeted advertisements are shared every few weeks on the topic of nitrous oxide with audiences over the age of 18 as well as messages which aim to create awareness of long-term use and signs of concern which people can look out for. There is awareness. We need to look again at whether we need to adjust it and how we work on that but there is awareness and it is important that we get that message out. The European Union Drugs Agency has conducted an EU-wide review of nitrous oxide and it highlighted several key issues regarding the prevention of use, including the role of youth workers, targeted distribution of messages, and the role of parents. In line with the EU Drugs Agency's recommendations, the HSE continues to provide a targeted approach, working together with drug and alcohol task forces around the country. We have 24 task forces. I know and value their work. This is important. Parents are offered information on nitrous oxide by the HSE in various formats. It is important that they are well informed. Specific information is available on drugs.ie and through a parent fact sheet. The HSE has developed a harm reduction fact sheet. It is including the risks, effects and harm reduction advice. These fact sheets have been distributed to the drug and alcohol task forces, student unions, at festivals, and to third level institutions. Social media channels and drugs.ie provide nitrous oxide content that is informative, helpful and shareable. The HSE social media team responds directly to people's questions about substances, including nitrous oxide, through direct messaging on all channels. The HSE's social media posts also drive web traffic to its dedicated content on drugs.ie. I know that we need to do more. That is why the Minister, Deputy O'Callaghan, and I are saying this. We will work with Deputies on it. Strengthening the prevention of drug and alcohol use among children and young people is a strategic priority under the national drugs strategy. Some €1.5 million has been allocated in my Department for a three-year drug and alcohol prevention and education programme which aims to strengthen the prevention of drug and alcohol use and related harm among children and young people. We know that the challenge of regulating nitrous oxide cuts across multiple Departments and existing laws. It is a public health issue for my Department and the HSE. It is a public order issue for the Department of justice and An Garda Síochána. I also commend the work of Revenue in tackling the illegal importation of nitrous oxide at our ports. That is another area that we have to strengthen. I compliment it for its work. It is an environmental issue concerning hazardous waste disposal for the Department of the environment. It is a trade and enterprise issue for the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment. As the Minister, Deputy O'Callaghan, outlined, there are important developments at EU level which must be considered carefully in our response. Given the number of Departments involved, it is important that we work together on this challenge. A coherent and consistent approach is therefore essential. These issues need to be considered in a broader context to ensure a more developed legislative policy and operational infrastructure that addresses the issues. I am conscious of the concerns of this House and among parents as we see increasing use of nitrous oxide and the evidence from doctors of the serious harm that it is causing. I know that it is worrying and that people are frustrated as they see companies flouting the law or advertising these substances. As Minister of State at the Department of Health, I am committed to protecting the health of our young people. I will be working with my Government colleagues on the best way to do this. As we saw the rise of HHC before it was banned, new trends are constantly emerging with serious consequences for health. I want to ensure that under our new national drugs strategy, which I will soon be bringing to Government, our health system is responsive and people can access the information and help they need. Where something like nitrous oxide is widely available and has many legitimate uses, such as catering and in the motor industry, preventing harm is difficult but I know that my Government colleagues share my determination. This has been a really useful debate and I thank the Deputies, particularly Deputy Mark Ward, who I have worked with for a long time. He and Deputy Seán Crowe have worked extremely hard on this. I see their concerns. I know we are putting it back by nine months but I know the Bill is important. The contributions, and steps the Deputies have taken, are really important. I know, like the Deputies, that these are life issues that are being discussed, which relate directly to public health, community safety, and our obligation to correctly comply with EU laws. The approach of the Government this evening reflects that. I believe that the timed amendment provides the necessary space for this analysis. I have heard Deputy Ward speak on this several times. I know his commitment. Working in my own remit in the Department of Health and on the drugs strategy, we see things changing all the time. I thank Deputy Ward.

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