Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 June 2020
388. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health his plans to prevent the banned substance MMS from entering the market here and being sold illegally to parents of autistic children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12756/20]
View answerThe Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) conducts ongoing monitoring activities for the supply of the product known as ‘Miracle Mineral Solution’ (MMS) in Ireland. This includes monitoring of the Internet and online platforms for the promotion of unauthorised medicinal products, including MMS. The HPRA also engages with social media platforms to require removal of any advertisements and offerings that contravene medicinal products legislation, as well as taking enforcement actions against suppliers for offences in relation to manufacture and supply of the product, where necessary.
Currently the HPRA does not have any evidence that MMS is being supplied by any website or other outlet in Ireland. This is not to suggest that such supply of this product, or other unauthorised medicinal products offered to treat autism spectrum disorder, will not appear in the future. It is also possible that information relating to and promotion of the treatment is happening via word of mouth, the dark web, or other relatively difficult-to-detect methods. The HPRA is vigilant in this area and will continue to monitor for, and investigate, such matters, including co-operating and working with An Garda Síochána, Revenue’s Customs Service and other State agencies as appropriate.
The regulations in relation to medicinal products cover their placing on the market, manufacture, wholesale and retail supply and advertising. The unauthorised medicinal product known as Miracle Mineral Solution (MMS) is governed by these regulations. Penalties for breaches of regulations are provided for by the Irish Medicines Board Acts 1995 and 2006. On summary conviction, a person may face fines not exceeding a class B fine (€4,000) and, or imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year; on conviction on indictment, fines not exceeding €100,000 and, or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 10 years, and in the case of a second or subsequent offence on indictment, fines not exceeding €250,000, and, or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 10 years.
