PRESS RELEASE

31/01/2006

'Magic mushrooms' ban will protect young people’s health - Kelleher

Cork North-Central Fianna Fáil TD Billy Kelleher has said the decision to completely outlaw the sale of 'magic mushrooms' with immediate effect will protect young people from the dangers of the drug which can seriously alter their minds and endanger their lives.

‘The practice of freely selling magic mushrooms on shop shelves with no restrictions had to be stopped. There is no way of predicting how someone is going to react after taking magic mushrooms which are rich in dangerous hallucinogenic properties.
‘I know parents who have been extremely concerned by the reports of raw mushrooms being imported into this country and sold through a number of outlets. A case here in Cork highlighted the loophole in the law which has now been closed,’ said Deputy Kelleher.
He paid tribute to the Táiniste and Minister for Health and Children, Mary Harney TD, for ‘moving quickly to completely outlaw the sale of magic mushrooms in the State amid growing fears that they pose huge health risks to our young people’.
The measure was discussed by the Cabinet at a meeting today and the product will be banned under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977.
‘Gardaí should visit stores where these magic mushrooms were being sold and ensure that the trade has stopped. In addition, customs officials at ports and airports should be extra vigilant about what is coming into this country.

‘While those who support the sale of magic mushrooms like to give the impression that they are next to harmless, the reality is there are many cases in which young people have lost their senses after taking mushrooms and have put themselves in extreme danger,’ said Deputy Kelleher.

ENDS