Legislative Measures
Dail Éireann — 2026-01-27
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Jim O'Callaghan (FF), Dublin Bay South

I agree with the Deputy that there certainly needs to be a two-pronged approach. We need to warn people. Sometimes we look at the drugs issue very much in terms of what legislation can be introduced. However, it is really about warning people of the dangers associated with taking drugs. Everyone in this House has seen terrible outcomes from people taking drugs. They are referred to as recreational drugs but there is no recreation associated with them. They ruin young people's lives and the people who are distributing and selling these drugs really need to be dealt with severely because they are abusing our younger population and need to be dealt with very seriously.
I will keep an open mind in respect of it. I commended Deputy Ward last week on bringing forward the Private Members' Bill. The reason I could not just let it go through is that I have to see what is happening in Europe on the matter. I also have to see whether this would infringe on trade in the area of legitimate purposes for nitrous oxide, whether that is in the catering area, dentistry or other legitimate purposes. If, having looked at what is happening in Europe, I think there is a necessity for regulation here, I will propose it.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2026-01-27/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-09-14T01:01:01+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-01-27