asked the Minister for Health if any control is exercised over the advertising of medical preparations on television; and, if not, if he will do so in the interests of the public.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Advertising of Medical Preparations.
122.
The advertising of medical preparations on television is controlled in the following ways:
The Indecent Advertisement Act, 1889, as amended by section 17 of the Censorship of Publications Act, 1929, prohibits indecent advertisements including advertising of certain medical preparations.
Advertisements in relation to venereal diseases are prohibited by the Venereal Disease Act, 1917.
Under the Medical Preparations (Advertisement and Sale) Regulations, 1958, the advertising of preparations for the treatment etc. of specified diseases and conditions is prohibited.
Furthermore, a code of practice has been drawn up by RTE Authority, in consultation with the medical profession, which governs their acceptance of advertisements for medical preparations.