Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 March 2026
953. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health if she will address concerns regarding the non-medicinal use of Nitrous Oxide (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17120/26]
View answerNitrous oxide falls under the definition of a psychoactive substance and is addressed under two pieces of legislation. Section 3 of the Criminal Justice (Psychoactive Substances Act) 2010 states that a person who sells a psychoactive substance knowing or being reckless as to whether that substance is being acquired or supplied for human consumption shall be guilty of an offence. Section 74 of the Child Care Act 1991 states that it shall be an offence for a person to sell, offer or make available a substance to a person under the age of eighteen years or to a person acting on behalf of that person if he knows or has reasonable cause to believe that the substance is, or its fumes are, likely to be inhaled by the person under the age of eighteen years for the purpose of causing intoxication. Responsibility for these Acts rests with the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration and the Department of Children, Disability and Equality respectively. The HSE and various community groups are monitoring the use of nitrous oxide and through public awareness campaigns, harm reduction advice, and engagement with at-risk groups, they are working to mitigate the health risks. As a key part of this approach, the HSE has disseminated a harm reduction factsheet, detailing risks, effects, and advice, to Drug and Alcohol Task Forces, student unions, and at festivals. Additionally, parents are also supported with information through various formats, including the drugs.ie website, dedicated factsheets, and a series of webinars. In 2023, the Dept. of Health launched a first of its kind drug prevention funding initiative delivering €1.5 million over 3 years. The programme was developed in collaboration with the European Drug Agency and supported 5 evidence-based drug prevention programmes around the country. I want to protect individuals, children, families and communities from the harmful effects of drug use, including nitrous oxide.
