Vol. 505 No. 5
48 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children if the Trilucent breast implant used for cosmetic surgery, which has been banned in the United Kingdom, is on sale here; if so, the steps, if any, he will take to have the use of this implant banned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13980/99]
In March of this year it was brought to my Department's attention that Lipomatrix, the Swiss manufacturer of these products, had voluntarily recalled them from the United Kingdom market as a precautionary measure as a result of a number of adverse incidents there. My Department immediately contacted Lipomatrix and was informed that the implants were distributed to two private clinics in Ireland. In view of concerns about the safety of the devices, my Department asked Lipomatrix to recall and withdraw the products from the Irish market and Lipomatrix agreed to this request.
The recall has now been completed and I understand that only one patient received these implants in Ireland who has been contacted by her consultant in the matter.
