The Nationalist Party said that it joins the OASI Foundation, as well as the thousands of concerned Gozitan and Maltese parents in calling for stronger regulation of the unchecked sale of nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas.

The OASI Foundation has published a document highlighting this use of gas on the Gozitan scene with the dangerous use of this gas, including cases where children were given laughing gas by adults responsible for them to celebrate a sports event.

The PN issued a joint statement on this serious issue, signed by Darren Carabott Shadow Minister for Home Affairs, Security and Reforms, Alex Borg Shadow Minister for Gozo, Albert Buttigieg Shadow Minister for the Family and Social Security and Graziella Attard Previ Shadow Minister for Equality, Civil Liberties and Children’s Rights.

The Foundation said that in one particular case a person ended up in hospital. In fact, this person was from Gozo and was the first person on the Maltese Islands to be taken to the Emergency Department,

“These are alarming signs of a growing problem. OASI has also indicated that the situation may be more serious in Gozo, where several containers of this substance were found, even near schools,” said the PN.

The Party stressed that “the fact that children are being given this gas as a form of celebration or recreational use, including by adults in positions of trust, is deeply worrying and unacceptable.”

It pointed out that nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is used in the medical field but can cause physiological harm, mental health issues, and even dependency when abused.

The PN urged the Government to “urgently address these concerns” and introduce strong legislation regulating the sale and distribution of nitrous oxide, including:

· A ban on sales to individuals under the age of 18;

· A prohibition on sales from outlets that sell alcohol and tobacco, as well as from bars and clubs;

· Harsh penalties for adults who provide this gas to minors;

· A ban on recreational use, particularly in public spaces or near schools; and

· Mandatory warning labels and limits on the quantity that can be purchased at one time.

The Nationalist Party went on to say that it firmly believes in education-based policy. “These episodes can be addressed through awareness and information. Every effective policy must begin with understanding, and we must ensure that parents, educators, and above all children, are informed about the dangers of substances like laughing gas.”

PN insisted that “we must equip the next generation of Maltese and Gozitans with the tools to make the right choices, and create an environment built on support and information, and not just with rules.

“We must foster a culture of respect for health, not one that turns a blind eye to the reality on the ground.”

The PN concluded by saying that “the Government must not waste time and should take immediate action to protect public health and the future of the next generation.”

Photos: OASI Foundation; From left – nitrous oxide supplied in litre bottles or 8 gr cannisters; Photo sent in by local community Mayor of box left in front of local council offices; Photos sent by local leader, bottles collected from playing field following the Sunday feast; and paraphernalia associated with its use dumped in a field in Gozo.

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