Concerns at rise in young people using Nitrous Oxide

THERE are huge concerns among communities in relation to the increase in young people using Nitrous Oxide.

A recent report published by the HSE on their Adolescent Addiction Service has shown that 22% of young people attending their adolescent service admitted to taking Nitrous Oxide on occasion reflecting an increase of 175% compared to 2021.

Sinn Fein spokesperson for Mental Health, Youth Justice and Community Safety, Mark Ward TD has legislation with the Bills office in the Oireachtas that will regulate the sale of Nitrous Oxide to commercial use only.

“You only have to walk into any estate or green area, and you will see large, discarded canisters of Nitrous Oxide, commonly known as laughing gas,” said Deputy Ward

“When they first came out, we used to see small single use canisters, known as silver bullets, discarded around the place, but these have been replaced by large canisters which have super doses in them.

“Those large canisters are being sold on the street for €40 each. Unscrupulous dealers are making vast profits from the sale of nitrous oxide.

“The widespread use of nitrous oxide is resulting in antisocial behaviour, litter, and damage to people’s health.

“I have submitted legislation to the Bills office in the Oireachtas that will regulate the sale of Nitrous Oxide to commercial use only.

“This is like legislation introduced in Holland where authorities are regulating the use of nitrous oxide outside the medical and catering industries.

“This bill will not criminalise young people for simple possession of nitrous oxide, however it would give the gardaí the power to seize the cannisters.

“I am introducing this legislation as the Government have not reacted to this issue with any urgency.

“A young person taking Nitrous Oxide is playing Russian Roulette, because they do not know the effect that gas is going to have on them until they take it.”

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