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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 26 Jan 2000

Vol. 513 No. 1

Written Answers. - Prescription Drugs.

Question:

488 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children his views on the availability of prescription drugs without prescription from a web site (details supplied); the steps, if any, which will be taken to ensure normal procedure in the administration of prescription drugs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1947/00]

Brian Cowen

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen):

The Irish Medicines Board is the competent authority in this country having responsibility for the licensing of medicinal products and for the supervision of their marketing, distribution and supply.

While the matter of e-commerce in pharmaceuticals is an international issue that is currently being examined by a working party of the EU pharmaceutical committee, I understand that in the case of the web site referred to by the Deputy, the Irish Medicines Board has recently been in contact with the South African authorities asking that the activities of this web site be terminated or that those responsible be required to include a statement that its medicinal products are not available to residents in Ireland.
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