The Fine Gael Leader Enda Kenny TD has welcomed the ban on benzylpiperazine, the active ingredient used in many party drugs sold over the counter in so-called Head shops. The substance was never included in the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 and therefore could be sold legally despite many health organisations identifying numerous health risks to be associated with the use of these drugs.
Deputy Kenny said: “These drugs were not hugely prevalent in Mayo to my knowledge, however, I have been made aware that they were becoming increasingly available and popular in recent times. Thankfully, the relevant legislation has been amended making possession or sale of the substance an illegal offence. These types of drugs were particularly associated with causing mental health problems among young people using these drugs.”
