Drug Minister’s comments on Headshops a ‘step in the right direction’ - Flynn

Mayo Fianna Fáil TD Beverley Flynn has welcomed indications from the Minister with Responsibility for Drugs, John Curran TD, that he would like to see headshops banned.

Deputy Flynn wants to see headshops and the so-called ‘legal highs’ that they sell banned because she believes they represent a significant danger to young people.

“I was happy to hear the Minister with responsibility for the National Drugs Strategy, John Curran TD, speak so strongly at a conference organised by the Regional Drugs Task Forces in Mullingar this week.”

“There is no doubt that there is a growing problem with these shops, and we may not know the true damage they are doing for some years. That is why I believe it is important we take action now.”

“Minister Curran said yesterday that he does not want to see the types of products sold by headshops available to buy in Ireland. He said they pose ‘an unnecessary risk’.”

“He is now he is co-ordinating a Government response across various Departments to tackle the problems associated with the proliferation of these types of shops.”

“It is simply not right that you can drive down a main street in any town or city in Ireland and see shops advertising ‘seeds’ akin to cannabis seeds, or ‘snow’, which a common nickname for cocaine.”

“I was very concerned when I saw that such a shop has opened Castlebar.”

“As a parent, it is worrying to think that young children can walk into a headshop and buy these products with ease and with no knowledge of the potential dangers, as the ‘legal’ tag insinuates that the product is safe.”

“I look forward to the response to this growing problem and I commend the Regional Drugs Task Forces for organising the conference,” concluded Beverley Flynn TD.