Law against psycoactive drugs urgently needed before someone dies

Statement by Jan O'Sullivan TD, Spokesperson on Health.

With the number of people presenting in Accident and Emergency units after consuming the psychoactive drug 'Whack' growing by the hour the Bill which the Minister for Justice has promised that will give the Gardai powers to stop the sale of these products must be given urgent priority.

The condition of some of the young people is so serious that lives could be lost if this drug is not taken out of circulation. The effect it is having is a danger to themselves and those around them. As of now we are told that at least 50 people have had severe reactions around the country with 20 of them in the Mid-West. I understand some of them are extremely disturbed and difficult to control and treat.

The Minister for Justice has said that the Criminal Justice (Psychoactive Substances) Bill is being drafted and that it will outlaw substances like 'Whack' that are not listed under the Misuse of Drugs Act. He must now get this Bill fact-tracked through the Oireachtas. If necessary we can extend our sitting time this week to speed its passage into law. This has been done on other issues that were less serious. Head Shops are a lucrative business and their owners will do everything they can to circumvent the law. The state must be equally determined not to let them win.

Source: www.labour.ie13/06/2010