John Gormley
Question:164 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made in relation to the setting up of a separate body to regulate complimentary and herbal medicines. [24581/00]
Written Answers. - Medicinal Products.
In regard to a simplified licensing scheme for traditional and alternative medicinal products, including herbal medicinal products, I have asked the Irish Medicines Board to report back to me on the nature of a scheme which might be introduced in this country in respect of such products. My Department sanctioned the appointment of a herbal medicines project manager by the Irish Medicines Board to facilitate a review of the arrangements to be put in place for the introduction of such a scheme.
Submissions were invited from the public so that the views of all concerned parties would be considered in the design of an appropriate scheme. The deadline for receipt was 31 October 2000 and comments submitted are now being examined and compiled. Relevant findings and studies would also be taken into account.
The recent debate has highlighted the lack of a common approach at EU level to the regulation of traditional or alternative medicinal products, including herbal medicinal products. As the Deputy is aware this matter is being addressed by a working group set up by the EU Pharmaceutical Committee last year. This and other relevant working groups continue to be attended by representatives of the IMB.
Any national scheme introduced must, of necessity, be on an interim basis pending the introduction of appropriate EU measures. Obviously in drawing up any national interim scheme consideration will be given to regulatory models in use in other member states.