SDLP MLA for West Tyrone Joe
Byrne again raised concerns regarding the lack of action being taken by the
Department of Justice to tackle legal highs.
Mr Byrne questioned Justice
Minister Ford on the proposals his Department have considered to deal
effectively with the widespread use of legal highs which are causing havoc in
some of our communities.
Mr Byrne said:
“Minister Ford reiterated
that this was a non-devolved issue and that he could not see legislation
regarding this issue being passed until after the Westminster Election in May
2015. He said he needed to look at a recent report from the Home Office.
“I pressed him on the
urgency for legislation. Also I asked on whether he had meet with his
counterpart, Minister for Justice and Equality Frances Fitzgerald in the South
regarding the issue.
“The emphasis on the
Republic’s new regulations focuses on the head shops and dealers, and if these
along with the website were made illegal it would go somewhat to alleviating
the issue.
‘The approach of a general
ban in the South has had a dramatic effect on their availability. We need to
benefit from their experience.
“These legal highs are
creating havoc in our society. Parents feel powerless. Young people need to be
protected.
“The issue of legal highs in
the West Tyrone area has been one that has continued to escalate over the last
year and there are fears that if action is not taken soon, there will be severe
mental and physical health issues for the local health trust to contend with
because of these products, if not deaths.
“People in my constituency
are demanding action from their elected representatives and the Department of
Justice seem to be placing responsibility on either Westminster or local
government environmental health officers. We need leadership from the
Department of Justice.
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