Molaim mo chomhghleacaí, an Teachta Mark Ward, as a chuid obair feachtasaíochta ar an gceist seo. Deputy Ward deserves huge credit for the work he has done not only in bringing forward this legislation but in setting out the issues around nitrous oxide for this House. We know it has legitimate uses in the medical and catering sectors but it is clear that its sale must be regulated in the interests of public health. That case has been made very strongly. Given what has been said by gardaí, customs officials, youth workers and medical practitioners, it is incredible that the Government is seeking to delay this Bill. It is important to say that this Bill will not criminalise young people for simple possession of nitrous oxide. However, it will give gardaí the power to seize canisters from those without appropriate licences. Unfortunately, the misuse of nitrous oxide has become more commonplace across the State. It is clear that young people are using it because it is cheaper than alcohol and because it is readily available. This House has to listen to the people in the field. Sometimes we do things with the best intentions only for them to have other impacts. Ciara Murphy, project leader at the Finglas youth service, highlighted to "Prime Time" how the price of alcohol is driving the use of nitrous oxide. She basically said that young people at parties may not be drinking because alcohol is expensive and so they choose nitrous oxide to get their buzz. We have to listen to voices like hers. Many of the young people who are using this product do not have an awareness of the potential dangers. Many think it is a harmless activity. The reality is very different, however. Nitrous oxide cuts off oxygen to the brain. Those who have treated young people who have ended up in hospital as a result of misusing this product have raised serious concerns. Inhalation often makes users feel light-headed. It can cause headaches and loss of consciousness. In certain cases, its use can trigger serious side-effects, including spinal cord damage. Across Europe, nitrous oxide has been linked to numerous road collisions and yet, unlike alcohol and other drugs, it is not tested for. This needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency. This is a growing problem, particularly now, with the involvement of organised crime. Revenue and customs have said that more than 1,000 large canisters are being seized at ports every week. These are being brought into the State by organised criminal gangs. The failure to regulate the sale of nitrous oxide before now has allowed a new market to be developed, where it is being used as a recreational drug, particularly by young people. We have to take action now. The first step must be the passage of this Bill tonight.

Sentiment score: -0.02