Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow and Chair of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), John Brady, has raised serious concerns over the significant decline in seizures of nitrous oxide by Revenue.
Deputy Brady’s comments follow the release of new information from Revenue showing that, up to the end of August this year, just four seizures of nitrous oxide had been carried out, involving 194kg with an estimated value of €7,568.
This represents a significant decline compared with previous years. In 2025, Revenue conducted 19 seizures, comprising 34,869kg of nitrous oxide with an estimated value of €1,285,438. In 2024, there were 23 seizures, comprising 76,387kg with an estimated value of €3,495,949.
The figures also show that more than €2 million was spent on disposal of canisters in 2025, compared with approximately €700,000 so far this year.
Teachta Brady said:
“I am deeply concerned at the significant fall in the number of nitrous oxide seizures by Revenue this year. At a time when communities are raising concerns about the growing availability of this substance, we need to know why fewer seizures are taking place.
“The HSE have released figures which show that since they have started recording nitrous oxide on the National Drugs Treatment Reporting System (NTDRS) in 2022, there has been a 130% increase in cases.
“But yet Revenue is conducting fewer seizures?
“It would be perverse if the cost of disposing of seized nitrous oxide was acting as a deterrent to Revenue from carrying out seizures. The Government must ensure that the resources and arrangements are in place to allow Revenue to seize and safely dispose of this substance.
“I have seen first-hand the impact nitrous oxide misuse can have in our communities, and I am deeply concerned about its growing availability to young people.
“Nitrous oxide is too often portrayed as a harmless high, but that could not be further from the truth. Misuse can cause devastating health consequences, including serious neurological and nerve damage.
“We need immediate, practical measures to regulate access to nitrous oxide, protect young people and support families and communities.
“My colleague, Mark Ward TD, brought forward legislation to regulate the sale of nitrous oxide, which the Government inexplicably voted to delay by a period of nine months.
“That legislation is due before the Justice Committee soon, and must be progressed.
“We cannot wait for more young people to suffer before the Government acts.”