O’Connor welcomes activation of law to clampdown on Headshops

Dublin South West T.D. Charlie O’Connor has welcomed the commencement of the Criminal Justice (Psychoactive Substances) Act, sanctioned by the Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern T.D.  Deputy O’Connor has described the law as “an extremely important piece of legislation to protect the public, particularly young people, from very dangerous mind-altering substances.”

“This law makes it an offence to sell or supply, for human consumption, substances which are not specifically covered under the Misuse of Drugs Acts, but which have psychoactive effects.  Breaking this law is punishable by up to five years in prison,” said Deputy O’Connor.

“Gardaí in Tallaght and across the country, as well as the Courts, now have the powers to intervene quickly to prevent so-called Headshops from selling these very dangerous products using prohibition orders. Ultimately, failing to abide by those orders can lead to the premises being closed.  The Customs Service and the Gardaí have also been given full search and seizure powers under the law.”

“There has been huge concern in my constituency about the operation of Headshops and I have been campaigning to ensure the Government’s response is comprehensive.  I believe parents who are concerned about the safety of their children will welcome this law and see it, as I do, as a very important measure to protect the public in Tallaght,” added Deputy O’Connor.

“People selling harmful substances in Headshops have shown no regard for public safety and health and I am delighted that this law can bring about an end to the existence of their premises.”

“This Act is part of a multi-pronged approach by the Government.  In May the Minister for Health and Children Mary Harney T.D. extended the list of banned substances to include many commonly sold in Headshops.  However as new drugs can come onto the market quickly, and have done over the summer, this new law covers the sale generally of unregulated mind-altering substances for human consumption,” concluded Deputy O’Connor.