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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 22 Jun 2000

Vol. 521 No. 6

Written Answers. - Use of Medicines.

Liam Lawlor

Question:

95 Mr. Lawlor asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans he has to introduce a specific action plan to curb routine overuse of medicines which according to the World Health Organisation has resulted in an alarming increase in drug resistance among infectious bacteria; if he will have considerations made into a public education programme as well as guidelines to the medical profession and possible restrictions on the easy availability of self-administered medicines through retail outlets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17843/00]

Because of increasing concerns both in Ireland and abroad in relation to the problem of antimicrobial resistance, earlier this year I asked the National Disease Surveillance Centre to evaluate the problem in Ireland and to formulate a strategy for the future.

The question of antimicrobial resistance arises mainly in the case of antibiotics which are subject to prescription-only control in this country. I accept that public education programmes are necessary in order to convey the message that antibiotics are not always needed and also regarding the circumstances in which such medicines are required. These education programmes also need to encompass the medical profession.
The health promotion unit of my Department, in conjunction with the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association, has produced two information booklets, Knowledge is the Best Medicine and Managing your Minor Ailments Effectively. These booklets contain information on the correct use of medicines and are widely distributed throughout the country via the health promotion units of the health boards and also via the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association to general practitioners and pharmacists.
Decisions on how to deal more comprehensively with the problem of antimicrobial resistance will be informed by the outcome of the deliberations of the National Disease Surveillance Centre.
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