asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the call from the Consumers' Association of Ireland to put an end to mercury soap production in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Mercury Soap Production.
35.
I am aware of the call from the Consumers Association of Ireland to put an end to mercury soap production in Ireland.
Under the Medical Preparations (Licensing of Manufacture) Regulations, 1984 which were made under the Health Act 1947, a manufacturer's licence is required by a person manufacturing medicinal products in Ireland. As regards Mercuric Iodide Soap, the National Drugs Advisory Board inspected the manufacturing plant in question to assess the manufacturing facilities and whether these facilities were sufficient in the light of the quality and safety requirements as applied by the NDAB to the manufacture of medicines. The Board reported to me that the manufacturing process was satisfactory and I, as Minister for Health and the competent licensing authority under the Regulations, issued a manufacturer's licence in October 1987.
Under the Medical Preparations (Licensing Advertisement and Sale) Regulations, 1984, the company requires a product authorisation if it wishes to place the products on the market in Ireland. The company has not applied to the Department of Health for such an authorisation.
In addition to assessing the manufacturing process both the Department of Health and, independent medical persons, analysed the medical literature available and concluded that there is no evidence reported in the literature to link mercuric iodide soap with mercurial intoxication. There are some indications in the literature of adverse health effects being associated with Mercury Creams and it is important to distinguish between one type of product and another, and the medical evidence relating to the respective products when considering a course of action to take which is governed in law.