THE HEALTH Service Executive (HSE) has called a special meeting with Co Clare’s school principals in response to mounting concern over the growth of “head shops”.
The announcement coincided with a warning from consultant psychiatrist Dr Moosajee Bhamjee that there would be an increase in suicide and homicide among young people if the Government did not act immediately to close down the shops.
There are two ‘‘head shops’’ in Ennis that sell legal highs.
School principal with Coláiste Muire in Ennis, Jean Pound, said their opening “has come as a big shock to parents and is very alarming. It is very frightening – both the long-term and short-term effects these drugs can have on the young.”
Ms Pound confirmed that she has spoken to other principals in Ennis, adding: “We are very concerned over the awful effects that these products have on young children.”
The HSE meeting with the school principals is to take place next Tuesday.
Dr Bhamjee said that the legal highs have properties that make users psychotic and paranoid.
“Legislation is needed immediately for these drugs to be banned. I have come across users who have engaged in random violence as a result of taking the drugs.”
