John Gormley
Question:89 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans he has to support complementary medicine here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9966/01]
Vol. 534 No. 1
89 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans he has to support complementary medicine here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9966/01]
There are two areas in relation to complementary medicine on which I have made proposals. First, the nature of an interim licensing scheme for traditional use medicines which might be put in place which would allow such products to be lawfully marketed in this country and, second, a consultative forum to discuss the issue of statutory registration of providers of non-conventional medicine and therapy.
The debate last year concerning traditional medicinal products served to alert the public to the fact that "natural" does not always equate with safety where medicinal products are concerned. The number of traditional medicinal products on the market is increasing and the fact that they are largely unlicensed and not subject to control is a matter of concern. There is increasing interest in these products and I am concerned to ensure that the public interest is protected and that there is no undue delay in ensuring that this objective is achieved.
The debate on traditional medicinal products has also highlighted the lack of a common approach at EU level in regard to the regulation of these products. While the matter is being addressed by a working group set up by the EU Pharmaceutical Committee in 1999, it is not anticipated that there will be an early resolution to the significant lack of harmonisation in this area. In recognition of these difficulties I have asked the Irish Medicines Board and officials of my Department to investigate the possibility of developing an interim licensing system for traditional use products which would allow such products to be lawfully marketed in this country.