asked the Minister for Health if his Department intend to implement regulations which would restrict the availability of natural medicines; and the basis on which these regulations were drawn up.
Written Answers. - Natural Medicines.
157.
The availability of medicines, whether natural or otherwise, is governed by the following regulations: Medical Preparations (Licensing of Manufacture) Regulations, 1974, Medical Preparations (Licensing of Manufacture) Regulations, 1975, Medical Preparations (Wholesale Licences) Regulations, 1974, Medical Preparations (Licensing, Advertisement and Sale) Regulations, 1984 and Medical Preparations (Control of Sale) Regulations, 1987.
These regulations do not distinguish between "natural" and "artificial" medicines, whether proprietary or non-proprietary. The regulations arise out of our obligations under EC Directives relating to medicinal products which require, that from May 1990, no medicinal product may be placed on the market without a product authorisation. The basis on which the regulations were drawn up relate to the quality, safety and efficacy of medicinal products, with a view towards protecting public health.
I am currently taking steps to ensure that the EC date of May 1990 which I have referred to is met by all persons marketing medicinal products in this country.
Question No. 158 withdrawn.