Written Answers Nos. 862-865
862. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health whether she will bring forward proposals to control nitrous oxide under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977, in view of the hospital discharge data for 2020 to 2024 showing a rise in neurological presentations linked to recreational nitrous oxide use, with a mean patient age of 19.7 years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53338/26]
View answer865. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health whether her Department has examined restricting the sale of flavoured nitrous oxide canisters marketed towards young people; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53341/26]
View answerI propose to take Question No 862 and Question No 865 together.
Development of the successor national drugs strategy is ongoing.
I published the draft successor strategy for the period 2026-2029 on 5th February. It sets out an integrated, equitable and evidence-based response to drug and harmful alcohol use. It reflects the changing patterns of drug use, the associated health and social challenges, the interface with the criminal justice system, and the threats from a volatile and dynamic global drug market.
A number of recommendations contained in the final report from the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Drugs Use pertain to nitrous oxide. The Department of Health is currently engaging with other Government Departments and State agencies to determine whether nitrous oxide could be controlled as part of the Misuse of Drugs Act, and, given the wide range of legitimate uses of this substance, what the most appropriate legislative path forward would be in this regard. The evidence on the risk to public health by the misuse of nitrous oxide is a priority concern in these considerations.
I am committed to implementing effective measures to control nitrous oxide, as part of a whole-of-government response to the challenges and threats of the global drugs market.
863. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the number of people who entered treatment for problem nitrous oxide use in each of the years from 2021 to 2025; the number in each year aged 17 years or under; the services available specifically for adolescents presenting with nitrous oxide-related harm; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53339/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
864. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health whether the HSE has issued clinical guidance to emergency departments and neurology services on the recognition and treatment of nitrous oxide-induced neurological injury, including subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53340/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
