Press Release                                                                18 June 2010

 

Government Chief Whip gives full commitment to further Curtails on Headshops before Summer Recess

 

Today (18/06/10) Government Chief Whip and Local Fianna Fáil T.D. John Curran said he will ensure that the Criminal Justice (Psychoactive Substances) Bill 2010 which Minister for Justice and Law Reform, Dermot Ahern T.D. published today will be passed and enacted before the summer recess.

 

Speaking today, Minister Curran said “I have informed Minister Dermot Ahern T.D. that he has my full commitment and support in the Dáil for the passing and enacting of the Criminal Justice (Psychoactive Substances) Bill 2010 as quickly as possible. I have also pledged my commitment to the Minister to have the bill passed and enacted before the Summer recess in three weeks.

 

To date the Government’s co-ordinated response to tackling the problems associated with headshops has been comprehensive and far-reaching.  The Department of Health and Children were involved in banning over 200 products which puts Ireland to the forefront in reactions across EU countries.  In addition, the Gardaí and Revenue Customs Services closely monitor he activities of headshops on an ongoing basis”. 

 

He continued; “When I was Minister for Drugs, it was always my expectation that more products would come on stream and this will continue to be the case.  However, I am confident that the Criminal Justice (Psychoactive Substances) Bill 2010 will tackle the problem in relation to substances that are not prohibited under the Misuse of Drugs Act but that have psychoactive effects on humans.

 

 The Bill, once enacted, will ensure that the criminal law and the Gardaí can deal quickly and effectively with those who sell psychoactive substances for human consumption”, concluded Minister Curran.