Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 June 2023
456. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice if the gardaí are aware of HHC cannabinoids being sold in vapes in Ireland; and if there have been any investigations into its sale in vape shops. [30556/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including for all investigative matters. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
However, to be of assistance I sought the information requested by the Deputy from An Garda Síochána and have been advised that hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) is not controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Acts 1977/84.
As the Deputy will also be aware, the Department of Health leads on Government policy in the area of drugs, and this policy is guided by the national drugs and alcohol strategy "Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery - a health led response to drug and alcohol use in Ireland 2017-2025 ". This strategy represents a whole-of-Government response to drug and alcohol use in Ireland.
Implementation is led by my colleague, the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Hildegarde Naughton, and encompasses actions for all stakeholders, including An Garda Síochána and my Department. Further to this, the Misuse of Drugs Act falls under the remit of the Minister for Health.
An Garda Síochána advise that HHC is the first semi-synthetic cannabinoid reported in the EU and has been monitored as a new psychoactive substance (NPS) by the EU Early Warning System since 21 October 2022.
I can inform the Deputy that An Garda Síochána are represented on the Early Warning Emerging Trends Committee which was convened under Action 3.3.38 of the National Drugs and Alcohol Strategy 2017-2025, which is delivered by continuing to develop systems to monitor changing drug trends in line with the EU Early Warning monitoring system.
I have also been assured that An Garda Síochána continue to target those involved in the sale, supply and cultivation of controlled drugs in Ireland through operational initiatives such as Operation Tara, which is a nationwide operation launched to have an impact on all illegal drug activities.
