The Minister said he would include a number of matters in the regulations. One of those related to named patient products. The Minister also said he would discuss a number of other areas on this Stage.
Irish Medicines Board Bill, 1995: Report and Final Stages.
Bill reported without amendment and received for final consideration.
Question proposed: "That the Bill do now pass".
A number of issues were raised on Committee Stage and I undertook to deal with them by way of regulation. Obviously, we have not had the opportunity to deal with regulations in the intervening period. However, I will be happy to receive representations from the Deputy in that regard. Regulations can be annulled by the Dáil and if, on their introduction, the Deputy and his party are not happy with them they have parliamentary recourse. In the constructive spirit that has permeated the debate on this Bill, I will seek to honour the undertakings I gave with regard to the regulations.
I thank the Minister for the clarification and the manner in which he has dealt with this Bill. I hope it will be an advance in medicines regulations, not only for the safety of the public but also for the long term benefit of pharmaceutical companies. Companies seeking licences will be granted them expeditiously where everything is in order. Unfortunately, up to now there have been many delays. I hope the Minister will reassure us that extra staff will be employed by the board so that delays will no longer be a feature. With regard to blood product, components, plasma and so forth, the establishment of the new board should prevent any further fears in relation to those products.
I thank the Minister for his assurances with regard to these matters.
Question put and agreed to.