Vol. 428 No. 6
167 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Health the total value and beneficial effects the pharmaceutical and health industry contribute to the Irish economy; his view on whether certain flexibility must be given to the industry to promote their products; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The value and beneficial effects the pharmaceutical and health industry contribute to the Irish economy is a matter for my colleague, Mr. Ruairí Quinn TD, Minister for Enterprise and Employment. However, I understand that the sector provides direct employment for approximately 12,000 people with an output of £2,500 million. Its expenditure of approximately £600 million on Irish materials and services support a further significant number of jobs in these supplier firms.
The Medical Preparations (Advertising) Regulations, 1993 introduce new controls on the advertising and promotion of medicines to health professionals and the general public. These regulations give effect to the 1992 EC Directive on the advertising and promotion of medicinal products for human use.
My Department is currently in discussion with the Federation of Irish Chemical Industries regarding a code of practice, with a view to providing guidelines in respect of the requirements of the Regulations.
The industry has flexibility to promote its products within the context of the Regulations mentioned above.
