asked the Minister for Health whether he has received from the Medical Research Council advice on the procedure to be adopted to prevent the sale and distribution of unsafe drugs; and, if so, what action he proposes to take.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sale and Distribution of Unsafe Drugs.
3.
I have received from the Medical Research Council a memorandum on drug toxicity and its control. The memorandum constitues a very useful contribution to the important and complex problem of drug control, which is of concern not only to this country but to health administrations in many other parts of the world. The memorandum is being examined closely in my Department and as requested by the Council will be the subject of discussion with representatives from it as soon as the departmental examination mentioned above has reached a more advanced stage.
I need hardly remind the Deputy that in matters of this nature immediate and comprehensive solutions are not easy to evolve, particularly in the circumstances of any small country such as ours.
The Minister will agree, in relation to this entire question of the control and examination of drugs on sale in this country, there is very grave public anxiety? Would the Minister undertake that whatever examination is now going on will be pressed ahead as speedily as possible so that some permanent solution may be arrived at?
The anxiety to which the Deputy refers is not confined to this country; it is world-wide. So far as we are concerned, with our resources we are as well advanced in relation to this matter as any other country. But I shall certainly endeavour to see that the discussion with the representatives of the Medical Research Council will take place at a very early date.
Would the Minister not agree there is this difference between this country and others: we have not here any bureau of standards? The Minister, perhaps, would agree it is desirable that such a bureau or some body of that nature be established here as soon as possible?
We have not a bureau of standards here but we are not unique in that respect. There are many other countries with greater resources than ours who have not one either. It is a matter which has been engaging the attention of myself and the officers of my Department for a substantial time.