Waterford TD's warn of nitrous oxide danger

Waterford Sinn Féin TDs, Deputies Conor McGuinness and David Cullinane have urged the Government to support their party's legislation and take action to protect young people from the dangers of nitrous oxide.

They have also urged all of their Dáíl colleagues from Waterford, irrespective of party allegiance, to also support Sinn Féin;s legislation to regulate the sale of nitrous oxide.

Their comments come as Sinn Féin TD Mark Ward’s legislation to regulate the sale of nitrous oxide will go to Second Stage in the Dáil tomorrow, Tuesday, January 19.

The Bill was introduced in response to growing evidence of widespread nitrous oxide misuse in communities across the state, particularly among young people, and increasing incidences of serious harm.

Deputies McGuinness and Cullinane said it was shocking that the Government had failed to take action to tackle this issue.

“Sinn Féin’s legislation to regulate the sale of nitrous oxide will go to Second Stage in the Dáil on Tuesday," said Cllr McGuinness.

“Nitrous oxide misuse has become a growing issue in communities across the state, including here in Waterford. Inhaling nitrous oxide cuts off oxygen to the brain, resulting in lightheaded and giddy effects. This is where the name laughing gas comes from, but make no mistake, laughing gas is no laughing matter."

“Its widespread misuse is leading to antisocial behaviour, significant littering, and serious damage to people’s health. Young people are effectively playing Russian roulette when they use this gas," he said.

Cllr McGuinness went on to comment: “The health risks are particularly serious for minors. There are reports of frostbite injuries from handling canisters, and there have been multiple incidents across Europe of road deaths involving drivers under the influence of nitrous oxide. There has also been at least one recent case in Dublin of a fatal hit and run where the driver was suspected of being under the influence. Young people have far too easy access to this substance, with large industrial canisters available online at very low cost. The sale of nitrous oxide is increasingly being targeted towards children, with bright packaging and flavoured products, mirroring the tactics used with vapes."

He also said that criminal gangs were making fast profits by buying this product cheaply in bulk online and selling it on individually at inflated prices in communities across the country.

Meanwhile, Deputy Cullinane added: “This legislation would regulate the sale of nitrous oxide by requiring wholesalers to be licensed to sell nitrous oxide related products. It is important to be clear that nitrous oxide has legitimate uses in sectors such as medicine and catering, and approved retailers would continue to be able to supply those sectors under this Bill."

“What this legislation would do is significantly reduce the availability of nitrous oxide for misuse and curb the level of abuse we are seeing in communities across the state," he said.

“The Government has failed to take a proactive approach to this issue. It is long past time that they stopped delaying and took decisive action to protect children and young people from the dangers associated with nitrous oxide misuse," he added.

Significantly, he also said the Bill would "not criminalise people for simple possession of nitrous oxide".

"However, it would give An Garda Síochána the power to seize canisters from those who do not hold the appropriate licences," he said.

“This cannot wait. Nitrous oxide must be regulated so that the general public, and especially young people, are properly protected. This is common sense legislation, and all members of the Dáil should support it.”