Dangerous drug must be banned

“Unanimity across the Northern Ireland Executive for such a ban, alongside the distressing stories relating to abuse of this drug, demonstrates the need for urgent action.

“We need to work now to protect our children and families from the effects of this frightening drug. We have heard tragic stories of the consequences of abusing this ‘legal high’ and it is clear that this is nothing more than a blight on our communities.

“ I stand behind our Health Minister in demanding immediate action on this issue. This drug must be banned for the sake of the children we are charged to protect.

"There is of course also an issue of educating our children against drug use – while there is a will to abuse drugs there will always be a way to access them. Banning mephedrone is essential, but we must also continue to work to empower young people to recognise the dangers of – and have the strength to say ‘no’ to – drugs within our communities.

“I commend Minister McGimpsey for his commitment to tackling this issue. It is clear that work must be done to establish whether there are other actions which could be taken to protect the public, particularly young people, from these potentially dangerous drugs as they emerge.

“We need to stay one step ahead in the fight against drug abuse”.