I am not aware that there is a system of registration in place for those providing beauty treatments.
If the Deputy's concern relates to the use of Botox by those providing beauty treatments, I advise the Deputy that the Irish Medicines Board issued a press statement on 23 May 2001 expressing concern about the possible misuse of this product.
The board in its statement indicated that Botox is a medicinal product and is primarily used in the treatment of severe muscular disorders. It warned that the active substance in Botox is the highly potent neurotoxin, Clostridium botulinum toxin type A. Under the conditions of the marketing authorisation the product should be given only in accordance with its authorised use by physicians with appropriate qualifications and documented expertise in the administration and uses of the required equipment.
Investigations by the Irish Medicines Board have identified a number of beauty salons, cosmetic clinics and private individuals who are supplying and administering Botox as an injectible cosmetic treatment for wrinkles. Botox, or any of the other marketed Clostridium botulinum toxins are not authorised for cosmetic use and their safety under these conditions has not been established. The board pointed out that unauthorised persons engaged in this activity are in contravention of the Medicinal Products (Prescription and Control of Supply) Regulations, 1996, (S.I. No. 256 of 1996) and that any such business and/or unauthorised individuals will be liable to prosecution under the Irish Medicines Board Act, 1995.