Laughing gas bill clears Dáil hurdle

A Dublin Mid-West TD has demanded an end to delays over legislation to restrict laughing gas sales, warning that a Government working group must not become “another talk shop”.

Sinn Féin’s Mark Ward made the call after receiving notification from the Ceann Comhairle’s office that his bill had passed second stage in the Dáil.

The Sale of Nitrous Oxide and Related Products Bill 2025 is intended to tighten controls on who can sell and buy the gas, commonly known as laughing gas.

Ward said the legislation would now move towards detailed scrutiny at committee, following a Government decision to delay its second reading by nine months.

The proposed controls would require wholesalers to hold a licence and retailers to join a register of approved sellers. Sales of nitrous oxide would be restricted to specified purchasers, with exemptions covering legitimate uses.

The bill also proposes restrictions on sales to under-18s, including online purchases, and powers for gardaí to seize nitrous oxide being used as an intoxicant in public places.

Ward, Sinn Féin’s spokesperson on Community Safety, welcomed the movement but accused the Government of failing to act while concerns about misuse continued to grow.

“I am happy to see movement on my legislation to regulate the sale of nitrous oxide,” he said.

“Government needlessly delayed this legislation without providing any solutions themselves.”

The Dáil voted on January 21 to postpone the bill’s second reading for nine months. The Government amendment was carried by 82 votes to 66.

Deputy Ward said hospital presentations linked to misuse and the number of discarded canisters being collected by local authorities underlined the need for action.

He also acknowledged the establishment of a working group addressing synthetic and semi-synthetic cannabinoids, nitrous oxide and other emerging substances posing risks to public health and community safety.

The group is chaired by Minister Jennifer Murnane O’Connor and involves health and justice authorities.

Ward said its establishment was welcome, but argued that discussions must produce concrete measures.

“This is welcome, but it is coming very late in the conversation. I have been raising these issues since 2020, and this working group cannot just be another talk shop.”

He recalled offering his legislation to Murnane O’Connor during a debate on RTÉ’s Prime Time in December, describing it as an early Christmas present.

Just over a month later, he said, she and her Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael colleagues voted to delay it.

The bill’s progress does not mean its proposed restrictions have become law. Further scrutiny and votes would be required before the measures could take effect.

For Ward, the next test is whether support across the Dáil translates into progress on the legislation.

“There can be no more delays on this legislation. I am looking for cross party support to ensure that this bill can progress as quickly as possible.”