Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow, John Brady, has urged all Wicklow TDs to support Sinn Féin’s legislation to regulate the sale of nitrous oxide.
His comments come as Sinn Féin TD Mark Ward’s legislation to regulate the sale of nitrous oxide goes to the second stage in the Dáil on Tuesday.
The bill was introduced in response to growing evidence of widespread nitrous oxide misuse in communities across the state, particularly among young people, and increased incidences of harm.
Deputy Brady said it is shocking the government has failed to take action to tackle this and said they cannot continue to sit on their hands.
Teachta Brady said:
“Sinn Féin’s legislation to regulate the sale of nitrous oxide will go to second stage in the Dáil on Tuesday.
“As someone who has seen first-hand the impact of nitrous oxide in our communities, I believe this is a necessary and urgent step to protect our young people and ensure their safety.
“This gas is far from harmless and should be taken seriously. The casual use of nitrous oxide, often seen as a ‘harmless high’, has led to serious health consequences – including brain damage, nerve damage and even death.
“In Wicklow, I’ve spoken to concerned parents, youth workers and teachers who are alarmed by the growing presence of these large canisters littered in parks and playgrounds. People from right across the county have been expressing similar concerns, and this is by no means a localised issue. I have received reports of children as young as 12 inhaling the gas. While we used to find small, single-use canisters, these have now been replaced by large canisters containing super doses.
“This is a frightening development and unscrupulous dealers are making large profits from the sale of nitrous oxide at the expense of our young people’s health. I have raised this issue many times previously, but it now demands urgent action. Young people are being targeted and exploited by those who profit from selling these substances, with a canister being sold on the street and online for €40 each. Those who profit from this have no regard for the health and wellbeing of the young people affected, or the long-term harm being caused.
“This legislation would regulate the sale of nitrous oxide by requiring wholesalers to have a licence to sell nitrous oxide related products. Given that nitrous oxide has legitimate uses in medicine and catering for example, approved retailers would continue to be able to supply those sectors.
“This would significantly reduce its availability and curb the amount of it being abused in our communities.
“This legislation is about safeguarding our young people, empowering our communities, and taking a firm stand against those who knowingly endanger lives for profit.
“The government has failed to take a proactive approach on this issue. It is long past time they stop sitting on their hands and take action to protect children and young people from the dangers of nitrous oxide.
“Sinn Féin is committed to delivering a health-led and compassionate approach to drug use – but we are also clear: harmful substances like nitrous oxide, when abused, must be addressed head-on. This is about protecting lives, and I commend my colleagues for bringing this legislation forward.”
ENDS