asked the Minister for Health if he has investigated the feasibility of introducing child-proof medicine containers; and, if so, the results.
Ceisteanna—Questions . Oral Answers . - Child-proof Medicine Containers .
10.
: It is the continuing policy of my Department working in conjunction with the National Drugs Advisory Board and with the co-operation of the pharamaceutical industry to phase into common usage safety packaging of medicines where there is a need to do so. Such packaging includes child-resistant containers and individual unit strip packaging. I am informed by the National Drugs Advisory Board that the majority of medicines sold over the counter which would, in the interests of safety, require such presentation are now sold in such containers.
There is some dispute as to how effective so-called child-proof containers are and in the last analysis the best way of avoiding a hazard to child safety is to ensure that all medicines are kept out of the reach of children.
: Would the Minister consider in the case of adult medicines having a press down and turn cap on them? These would present difficulty in opening for a child and would result in preventing the accidental misuse of medicines which might be harmful.
: It is not an easy matter about which to come to firm conclusions because research carried out in the UK and the USA showed that this type of container is not acceptable where the elderly and disabled are concerned, many of whom fail to take the necessary medicines through inability to open the containers. Again, some transferred the medicines into other containers thereby creating obvious further hazards to adults and children.
: But the Minister will agree my suggestion would obviate the danger of children having these medicines readily available to them?
: I have to take the advice of the National Drugs Advisory Board in this area, as the Deputy will appreciate, and I would not like to venture a personal opinion, but I am informed by everybody concerned that the only safe way, and the right thing to do, is to keep these medicines out of the reach of children and not rely on a particular type of container.
: While fully agreeing with the Minister that the only safe way is to keep them out of the reach of children, there are some children who would come on them accidentally in the absence of an adult and would he not consider what I suggest worth while as an extra safeguard?
: It has been considered. These matters are kept under review by the National Drugs Advisory Board.