Podcast: Synthetic drugs and inside the Healy-Rae row

Ireland is facing a growing concern over high-risk synthetic cannabinoids appearing in vapes and vape liquids available both commercially and on the illicit market, according to the Health Service Executive (HSE). These man-made substances are designed to replicate the effects of cannabis. Professor Matthew Sadlier, President of the Irish Medical Organisation, warned that the risk of psychosis and other severe harms is greatly amplified with synthetic cannabinoids. He praised the HSE's Drugs Early Warning System but highlighted the challenge of regulating this rapidly evolving industry, describing it as a "constantly moving target" and a "game of cat and mouse" between producers and authorities. Meanwhile, a new documentary offers an inside look at the prominent Healy-Rae political dynasty in Ireland. "The Healy-Raes: Blood, Sweat & Tears" delves into the family's dynamics, including the events leading to Michael Healy-Rae's unexpected resignation as a junior minister. Healy-Rae recounts his decision to step down during the April fuel protests, a move that followed an explosive radio interview by his brother, Danny, who called for the Taoiseach and Tánaiste to resign. Filmmaker Jerry Kennelly shared his experience of documenting the family and witnessing the resignation firsthand. The documentary airs on RTÉ television.

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One of the problems we have is that this is a constantly moving target. It's a game of cat and mouse between the people who are producing this, and the regulators and law enforcement on the other side.