Ivan Yates
Question:63 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Health and Children his views on whether alternative medicines have a constructive role to play in improving the health of the nation. [5838/02]
Written Answers. - Medicinal Products.
Alternative medicines, including herbal and traditional medicines, are distinct types of medicinal products. In many instances these medicines are used in conjunction with conventional medicine rather than as an alternative to it. In order to gain the most from medicines such as these, it is essential that they are licensed by an appropriate authority to ensure that, like all other medicines, they are of appropriate quality, safe for use, and can be expected to act in accordance with any claims made. It is clear that many of these medicines have a tradition of use that is indicative of potential benefit. The value of medicines such as these to the health of the Irish nation specifically can best be realised when there is a formal mechanism for assessing them and a subsequent means of monitoring their use in order to clearly determine any potential benefit.
The Irish Medicines Board has recently submitted to me a proposal for an interim national licensing scheme for traditional and alternative medicinal products including herbal medicines. This scheme is in line with proposed European legislation in this area and will assure consumers that the traditional medicinal products which they buy are produced to an appropriate quality and can be expected to act in accordance with any claims made.
It is my view that, in the context of a regulatary scheme which would ensure their quality and safety, many alternative medicines, including traditional and herbal medicines, may have a constructive role to play in improving the health of the nation.