Minister Finneran calls for legislative approach on the issue of ‘Head Shops’

Government Deputy for the Roscommon / South Leitrim constituency, Michael Finneran T.D., Minister for Housing and Local Services, today acknowledged the degree of concern raised by his constituents regarding the issue of ‘Head Shops which he brought to the attention of the Government recently.

Minister Finneran stated

“The government has identified head shops as an area of concern and is currently considering the options available to more effectively control the activities of these shops.”

“The Department of Health & Children has the main statutory responsibility in this area. Under the Misuse of Drugs Acts, the importation, exportation, production, supply and possession of a range of named narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances are regulated and controlled. The products on sale in head shops are currently not scheduled under the Misuse of Drugs legislation, but this situation is under review in that Department”

“The issue was recently discussed at a meeting of Oversight Forum on Drugs, the high-level group, chaired by John Curran T.D., (Minister of State at the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, who has responsibility for co-ordinating the National Drugs Strategy) and charged with monitoring progress under the National Drugs Strategy. That meeting was advised the Department of Health & Children is actively engaged in reviewing the situation to ascertain how best to bring various substances under control by means of the Misuse of Drugs Act”

Minister Finneran further stated

“I am pleased to see my Ministerial colleagues in the Department of Health & Children are taking this issue seriously, however If this matter cannot be dealt with by regulation, an immediate Legislative approach should be taken” Concluded Minister Finneran T.D.