Sinn Féin has introduced legislation to combat the sale of nitrous oxide (more commonly known as laughing gas) to minors and to combat its misuse.
The bill was introduced in the last Dáil by TD Mark Ward, but failed to progress.
Ward and fellow Sinn Féin TD Mark Ward are now looking to get the bill passed once again.
Crowe said “the reduction in the abuse of nitrous oxide is something that I have been highlighting and working towards for some years now. I introduced legislation to that effect in the last Dáil and am glad to be able to have the opportunity to do so again.”
“The abuse of nitrous oxide is something that flies under the radar for many people. It is incredibly common and many people may have seen the rubbish left behind, particularly the large black canisters, and not known what they were.”
“These canisters litter our green spaces. Pressurised canisters can present a hazard to council workers going about their job or the many volunteers who give up their time to keep their communities tidy.”
Ward said there was an economic and moral imperative to passing the bill, saying “manufacturers are making vast profits and this fast gas is marketed towards children.”
He pointed to a HSE report, which was published by their Adolescent Addiction Service, which showed that 22% of young people attending their adolescent service admitted to taking nitrous oxide.”
“This is an increase of 175% in a year and only captures young people that have come to the attention of addiction services,” Ward noted.
Ward warned “young people are playing Russian roulette when they use this gas.”
“Scarring is a really significant thing. Some of the patients presented with burns around the lips and fingertips and can take some months to resolve,” and in some cases, usage can lead to death.
“There is also an environmental impact after several incinerators and waste management facilities around Europe suffered major damage when canisters exploded in their furnaces and compactors.”
Ward said the aim of the bill was to regulate the sale of nitrous oxide for commercial use only, and noted that a similar bill was passed in The Netherlands.
“Authorities are regulating the use of nitrous oxide outside the medical and catering industries,” he explained.
“This bill will not criminalise young people for simple possession of nitrous oxide, however it would give the Gardaí the power to seize the cannisters.
He explained “the bill will enable members of an Garda Síochána to seize nitrous oxide products from those without appropriate licences.”
“I am calling on all members of the Dáil to give support to this common-sense bill,” he said.