Bernard J. Durkan
Question:2 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the action, if any, he proposes to take to ban dubious herbal remedies common in the State.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Herbal Remedies.
Any preparation for which a medical claim is made may only be marketed here if a product authorisation has been granted by me as Minister for Health on the advice of the National Drugs Advisory Board. This board evaluates applications for product authorisations on the basis of quality, safety and efficacy.
I appreciate the Deputy's concerns that certain herbal products for which no overt claims are being made could have the potential to be injurious to public health. The Deputy will be aware of the recently published report of the Food Safety Advisory Committee on "Food Supplements and Health Foods". A detailed evaluation of the recommendations of the report is being conducted by my Department under the responsibility of the Minister of State, Deputy O'Dea. There are, however, complex issues to be resolved in determining a listing of safe substances, without excluding certain products which have a legitimate use under particular conditions. I will have regard to the approaches which have been taken in other member states of the EU in determining this matter.
Will the Minister indicate the timescale within which he expects to have the results of tests initiated as a result of the report to which he referred?
This is primarily the responsibility of the Minister of State who has taken a direct interest in the matter. I cannot give an exact timeframe, but work is progressing on the recommendations of the report and I am anxious that tests be completed as quickly as possible.
Having regard to the fact that there are two sides to the argument, will the Minister draw on the experiences of other European Union countries in dealing with this issue?
I support the notion of having detailed discussions with our European colleagues. There are a number of substances legitimately on sale within the European Union and we are having discussions with a view to devising a common listing of such substances. If that is not possible, rather than have a list of prohibitive substances I would be anxious to have a list of safe products, which may be published in due course.