Sinn Féin TD Ann Graves has called on the government to work with her party to regulate the sale of nitrous oxide.
The Dublin Fingal East TD said that nitrous oxide misuse has become a growing issue right across Ireland and that a cross-party response is needed to tackle this “serious” public health issue.
“Nitrous oxide misuse has become a growing issue in communities across the state. People will have seen the discarded canisters along roads, playgrounds and football pitches,” she noted.
“People are buying large quantities of this online and selling it for a quick profit. Every time our young people use this gas, they are playing Russian roulette with their lives. We need a common-sense, evidence-based approach that reduces the harm caused to our young people.”
Graves, who serves as the party spokesperson on national drug and alcohol strategy, addiction, recovery and well-being, said that Sinn Féin’s bill covers the sale of nitrous oxide from abroad, and deals with where it is to be dispatched from within the State.
“Our bill would protect children and people who misuse nitrous oxide,” she said.
“Sinn Féin’s legislation would require wholesalers to have a licence to sell nitrous oxide-related products. Retailers would have to be on an approved register to be able to sell nitrous oxide-related products. People who sell without a licence or sell to a minor face a series of increasing fines and or prison sentences, after each subsequent offence.”
She said the legislation would make it illegal to sell the product to people under 18.
“The Bill will allow Gardaí to seize nitrous oxide if they have reason to believe the person is under 18, or if the person is to use it as an intoxicant. The cannisters can then be disposed of or destroyed properly,” she explained.
“It is important to emphasise that the end user is not criminalised. We do not want to criminalise our young people,” she stressed.
“I urge the government parties to support this bill and ensure it becomes legislation as soon as possible. Our communities and our young people deserve a positive, cross-party response to this serious public health issue.”