Menu
12/01/2010
Fine Gael Urge Strict Regulation For Head Shops
A Fine Gael spokesman has called for stricter regulations for Ireland's head shops.
The party's spokesperson on the National Drugs Strategy, Catherine Byrne, said today said that it was "blindingly obvious" that head shops, which sell natural mood enhancers and drugs, require strict regulation because of the dangers of the products they sell.
Deputy Byrne said products, which have emerged to replace BZP, which was banned last year, must also be banned if they have psychoactive and other side effects.
"It is blindingly obvious we have a serious problem here and no community has been immune to the proliferation of head shops.
"The items on sale in these shops are disguised as innocuous lifestyle products but in reality they are mind-altering substances designed to replicate the effects of illegal drugs, like coke and speed.
"It is not good enough that these dangerous drugs are allowed to slip under the radar. Regulation must be the answer and the Government must make new moves in this direction. Planning law can also play a part by applying stringent tests before permission for such shops is granted."
Head Shops such as the popular Nirvana chain have sprung up all over Ireland in recent years, selling illegal drug substitutes such as "legal weed" for around €30 for three grams.
(DW/BMcC)
The party's spokesperson on the National Drugs Strategy, Catherine Byrne, said today said that it was "blindingly obvious" that head shops, which sell natural mood enhancers and drugs, require strict regulation because of the dangers of the products they sell.
Deputy Byrne said products, which have emerged to replace BZP, which was banned last year, must also be banned if they have psychoactive and other side effects.
"It is blindingly obvious we have a serious problem here and no community has been immune to the proliferation of head shops.
"The items on sale in these shops are disguised as innocuous lifestyle products but in reality they are mind-altering substances designed to replicate the effects of illegal drugs, like coke and speed.
"It is not good enough that these dangerous drugs are allowed to slip under the radar. Regulation must be the answer and the Government must make new moves in this direction. Planning law can also play a part by applying stringent tests before permission for such shops is granted."
Head Shops such as the popular Nirvana chain have sprung up all over Ireland in recent years, selling illegal drug substitutes such as "legal weed" for around €30 for three grams.
(DW/BMcC)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 February 2010
Head Shops Face Crackdown
Currently available "legal highs" at so called 'head shops' are facing a crackdown from the Government. Drugs Minister John Curran announced he would be taking action yesterday and said a number of psychoactive substances would shortly be added to the controlled list of substances under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
Head Shops Face Crackdown
Currently available "legal highs" at so called 'head shops' are facing a crackdown from the Government. Drugs Minister John Curran announced he would be taking action yesterday and said a number of psychoactive substances would shortly be added to the controlled list of substances under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
26 January 2010
Legislation Tackling 'Legal Highs' Considered
The junior minister with responsibility for drugs strategy has said changes to legislation will be considered in clamping down on so-called "head shop" products. The stores sell legal drugs mimicking the effects of substances like cannabis and ecstasy.
Legislation Tackling 'Legal Highs' Considered
The junior minister with responsibility for drugs strategy has said changes to legislation will be considered in clamping down on so-called "head shop" products. The stores sell legal drugs mimicking the effects of substances like cannabis and ecstasy.
15 February 2010
Head Shop Fire Turns Up €500,000
The fire at a Dublin 'head shop' last week has lead to the discovery of €500,000 in cash under the building's floorboards, it has been revealed. Gardaí said today they are treating the fire at the legal drug supplying store as arson. The fire almost completely destroyed the unit and a number of neighbouring outlets last Friday.
Head Shop Fire Turns Up €500,000
The fire at a Dublin 'head shop' last week has lead to the discovery of €500,000 in cash under the building's floorboards, it has been revealed. Gardaí said today they are treating the fire at the legal drug supplying store as arson. The fire almost completely destroyed the unit and a number of neighbouring outlets last Friday.
12 February 2010
Head Shop Fire In Dublin City Centre
A fire has broken out at a shop on Capel Street in Dublin city centre this morning. The fire at the Nirvana Head Shop broke out this morning and the entire street is closed as a result. Several units of Dublin Fire Brigade and members of An Garda Siochána are at the scene. A small number of nearby homes have been evacuated.
Head Shop Fire In Dublin City Centre
A fire has broken out at a shop on Capel Street in Dublin city centre this morning. The fire at the Nirvana Head Shop broke out this morning and the entire street is closed as a result. Several units of Dublin Fire Brigade and members of An Garda Siochána are at the scene. A small number of nearby homes have been evacuated.
04 February 2010
McDaid Says Headshop Ban 'Huge Mistake'
A Fianna Fail TD has broken ranks by claiming the banning of headshops "is not the way forward". Despite a campaign by the Opposition party to ban the shops - which sell artificial highs and recreational drug substitutes - Deputy Jim McDaid said he believed that the country is "on the verge of making a huge mistake" if such shops are banned.
McDaid Says Headshop Ban 'Huge Mistake'
A Fianna Fail TD has broken ranks by claiming the banning of headshops "is not the way forward". Despite a campaign by the Opposition party to ban the shops - which sell artificial highs and recreational drug substitutes - Deputy Jim McDaid said he believed that the country is "on the verge of making a huge mistake" if such shops are banned.
-
Ireland WeatherToday:Showers today, occasional north and west of Lough Neagh, but only a few isolated light outbreaks expected for Belfast and county Down where the best of the winter sunshine is expected. West to northwest winds brisk around the coasts. Maximum temperature 10 °C.Tonight:Showers focused across northern areas of the Province, with most in the south staying dry, with a frost developing for many here. Northwest winds fresh around the coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
