Bernard Allen
Question:584 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if he is considering proposals to tighten regulations surrounding the provision of paediatric medicine. [1354/01]
Written Answers. - Paediatric Medicine.
Arising out of an initiative taken by the French Presidency of the European Union, a resolution was adopted by the Council of Ministers (Health) at its meeting on 14 December 2000, on paediatric medicinal products. This resolution invited the Commission "to make appropriate proposals as soon as possible in the form of incentives, regulatory or other supporting measures in respect of clinical research and development, taking account of the ethical aspects of clinical trials on children, to ensure that new medicinal products for children and medicinal products already on the market are fully adapted to the specific needs of that population group."
As this is not peculiar to Ireland, I welcome the council's initiative to address the matter at European level and look forward to the receipt of the proposals by the European Commission in this regard.