asked the Minister for Health what steps he is taking to ensure that penicillin V will not be sold in Ireland as ampicillin, as this is alleged to have taken place in Great Britain in canisters marked as being distributed from Dublin by an Irish company; and whether any such has been delivered in Ireland.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sale of Drug.
28.
Mr. Flanagan
Inquiries I have made have yielded no evidence that sales such as are alleged to have occurred in Britain in this matter have occurred in this country.
When the allegation mentioned first came to my notice I communicated with the firm in question. They promised to supply further information when they had investigated the matter. This information has not, however, been forthcoming and although, as I have previously indicated, the firm in question is not on the current list of contractors under the Local Authorities (Combined Purchasing) Act, 1939, I have, because of their failure to submit this information in relation to the incident, communicated with health authorities and advised against the use in the health services of their products.
Can the Minister say if he has power to prevent a firm of this sort selling preparations described as set out in the question?
I think it is the Minister for Industry and Commerce who has the power?
Do the Department of Health lay down standards in matters of this sort?
Yes.
Perhaps the Minister would consult with the Minister for Industry and Commerce in the light of the two questions.
We are, in fact, consulting.