Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 December 2019
329. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Health his views on whether the wording of the proposed Treatment of Cancer (Advertisements) Bill 2018 will have unforeseen and unintended consequences for the access to information by persons in relation to health resulting in potential access to complementary and alternative medicine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49732/19]
View answerThe Bill referred to is a Private Members Bill by Deputy Kate O'Connell. When passing the Bill through second Stage, I confirmed my Department would work with Deputy O'Connell on the areas that require further examination.
The intention of the Bill is about safeguarding our citizens and making sure they have accurate information regarding medical and scientific advice on how to cure and treat cancer. Its aim is to ensure no false linkages are made between accessing various therapies and a claim that something is a treatment for cancer.
Under the National Cancer Strategy 2017-26, the primary aim for all cancer services is to provide evidence-based care that is effective, safe, of high quality, patient-centred and fully supported by national standards and clinical guidelines.
