Vol. 542 No. 5
298 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans he has for the statutory regulation of homeopathy; if he will recognise homeopathy under the general medical scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25025/01]
I am committed to the introduction of a system of State regulation for alternative and complementary therapists who work in the area of health and personal services. As a first step in this process, I convened a forum, which took place on Wednesday, 20 June 2001, comprised of relevant representative groups and training providers, to examine and explore the practical issues involved in preparing a system of registration for these therapists. The Institute of Public Administration, which facilitated the forum, prepared a report of the discussions that took place on the day. The report was forwarded to the participants and other interested parties for consideration. I subsequently asked the Institute of Public Administration to prepare a report on proposals for the way forward. On receipt of this report, which I hope to receive over the coming months, I hope to be in a position to progress the issue further.
In regard to the possible inclusion of homeopathy under the general medical services, I presume the Deputy is referring to the inclusion of homeopathic products in the common list of items reimbursable under the community drug schemes. In order for this to occur, the products must comply with a list of criteria. These range from the uses for and licensing of medicines to the pricing of products. The product should ordinarily be supplied to the public only on foot of a medical prescription and should not be advertised or promoted to the public. In addition, the product should be an allopathic medicinal product and subject to a product authorisation from the Irish Medicines Board. Homeopathic products do not meet these criteria and, accordingly, are not eligible for inclusion on the common list.
