asked the Minister for Health whether his attention has been drawn to the benefit conferred on sufferers from Parkinson's disease by the drug L-Dopa; and whether steps are being taken to make the drug available in Ireland.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Availability of Drug.
14.
I am aware of reports of the benefits conferred by the drug L-Dopa in some cases of Parkinson's Disease. Certain adverse side-effects are, however, also reported.
I understand that the drug is at present undergoing trials in Britain and the United States of America and that a firm in this country has applied to the National Drugs Advisory Board for permission to use the drug for clinical trials here. The matter is at present being examined by the board.
I wonder has the Minister any indication as to when a decision might be taken in this matter?
I have no indication as to the date on which it might be taken. It is an extremely experimental drug and so far from the reports we have had from abroad we have learned that it does not benefit all those who take it. It has quite severe side-effects. Its effects are limited on those people who have had the disease for some time. The research in regard to it is not yet complete.