Dan Neville
Question:110 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children the licensing laws for the drug Ritalin which is used for treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. [23953/99]
Written Answers. - Drug Distribution.
Ritalin tablets contain 10mg of methylphenidate hydrochloride and is a controlled drug in schedule 2 of the misuse of drugs regulations 1988. Under this control, licences are required for the importation and wholesale distribution of the product. Pharmacists acting in the course of their profession have an authority to possess and supply ritalin on presentation of a valid prescription.
The current position is that the distribution of this drug is carried out on a voluntary basis by the central pharmacy of the Eastern Health Board.
Ritalin may only be supplied on foot of a valid prescription issued by a registered medical practitioner. On the basis of the product authorisation granted by the Irish Medicines Board in respect of the product, the prescribing of the drug in the case of children should only be initiated by an appropriate medical consultant.