Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 26 Jun 2003

Vol. 569 No. 5

Written Answers. - Medicinal Products.

Mary Upton

Question:

102 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children when it will be compulsory for medicines sold here to be labelled in accessible formats such as large print and Braille; the preparations currently under way in his Department to prepare for the transposition of the current draft European Pharmaceuticals Directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18198/03]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

There is no statutory requirement for medicinal products to be labelled in large print or in Braille. While I understand that many companies use Braille script on their products, such a measure would not be practical in all cases, for example companies whose products are sold in small containers. Work on transposing this directive will commence when the final version has been published.