Harney accused of blaming EU for head shop ban delay

A EUROPEAN anti-drugs campaigner has accused the Government of falsely blaming EU laws for the delay in banning head shop drugs such as mephedrone.

Health Minister Mary Harney has said she cannot ban head shop substances for three months under the EU law.

However, Gráinne Kenny, honorary president of Europe against Drugs, said the principle of “subsidiarity” clearly states there is an exemption in special circumstances including health. The law states that for “urgent reasons relating to public health,” member states can act in matters alone without any consultation with the EU.