Vol. 511 No. 1
130 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has had discussions with the pharmaceutical industry regarding direct consumer advertising by the industry and its implications for the doctor and patient relationship. [23827/99]
My Department has had ongoing discussions with the pharmaceutical industry on the question of direct consumer advertising.
In this regard, a draft code of standards of advertising practice for the consumer healthcare industry has been drawn up by the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association in consultation with this Department and other interested parties. Under article 16 of the Medical Preparation (Advertising) Regulations 1993, the approval of the Minister for Health and Children is required for the code which governs the advertising of non-prescription consumer goods in the healthcare industry. Advertising of products for which a prescription is required is already the subject of regulation under the Medical Preparation (Advertising) Regulations 1993.
I hope to be in a position to approve the code of practice in the very near future.
