The Irish Medicines Board (IMB), as the competent authority for human and veterinary medicines and medical devices in Ireland, has primary responsibility in tackling illegal trading in prescription drugs. Under regulation 19 of the Medicinal Products (Prescription and Control of Supply) Regulations, 2003, as amended, the mail order of prescription medicines, including when such supply is conducted online, is prohibited in Ireland.
I am advised by the Health authorities that the Irish Medicines Board continues to works in close co-operation with An Garda Síochána and Revenue's Customs Service both in monitoring and investigating instances of illegal supply of medicinal products and in the vigorous enforcement of the law governing this area. As the Deputy may be aware, this co-operation was clearly demonstrated by the involvement of these agencies in Operation Pangea V. This Interpol led Operation involved an international week of law enforcement action, which was fully supported by electronic payment processor companies, in targeting the online sale of counterfeit and illegal medicines.
Of course the Government will continue to fully support our law enforcement agencies in their efforts in this area. The illicit trade in prescription drugs has already given rise to a review of our legislative provisions governing the trade in prescription drugs. I have been liaising closely on this matter with An Garda Síochána and the Department of Health, who have the primary legislative responsibility in this area. This review will result in a tightening of the controls on the supply and use of these drugs, as deemed necessary, bearing in mind the need to maintain their legitimate use as appropriate.
I am further informed by the Health authorities that the Irish Medicines Board is satisfied that the banks, credit card companies and financial institutions continue to co-operate with its investigations as is already provided for under the Irish Medicines Board Acts 1995 - 2006. In the circumstances I have no current proposals of the nature outlined by the Deputy.
