asked the Minister for Health whether his Department are provided with information by the World Health Organisation, or otherwise, as to the names and nature of drugs, which are available only on prescription in the various countries of the world; if so, whether he will state the number of drugs which are available only on prescription in Northern Ireland but which are freely available to the public here; and if he will give a list of such drugs.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Availability of Drugs.
5.
Information of the detailed nature referred to by the Deputy is not furnished to my Department, with the exception of occasional communications from the World Health Organisation, through the United Nations, concerning narcotic drugs only. These form a relatively small proportion of the drugs currently in therapeutic use. The communications I have mentioned are sent to my Department by reason of this country's adherence to the International Conventions for the control of the special category of drugs which have addiction-producing potentialities, and all other Governments which are parties to these Conventions are furnished with the same information.
In regard to the remaining portion of the question, while I would like to facilitate the Deputy, I should point out that he is asking me to furnish detailed information regarding the administration of the domestic laws of another State. This is a matter for which the Government does not have responsibility to Dáil Éireann except, speaking generally, in those instances where an international arrangement might otherwise provide. I can say, however, that there is a fairly wide range of substances available in Northern Ireland only on prescription which are more freely available here. In that connection I would point out that circumstances differ in various countries and, as far as this part of Ireland is concerned, the fact that no recommendation has yet been made by any authoritative medical or pharmaceutical body for restriction on the sale of such preparations would indicate that there is no apparent abuse or misuse of them.
When the sale of a drug is permitted on prescription only, a person here desiring to use the drug, has to meet the expense of consulting a medical practitioner in addition to the cost of the drug. Consequently it would not be justifiable to impose this restriction in relation to any substance except where harmful effects might result from its use or there is at least prima facie evidence of a danger of abuse.