asked the Minister for Health if he will introduce legislation to compel manufacturers of poison to prescribe the appropriate antidote on labels of all poison containers; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Poison Antidote Labels.
8.
In cases of poisoning the services of a medical practitioner would normally be necessary and it would be his responsibility to initiate such treatment as he considers appropriate. The poison information service at Jervis Street Hospital, which operates on a daily twenty-four hour basis, is available to provide information and advice, when required, to medical practitioners.
There would be certain dangers and difficulties in specifying antidotes on labels of poison containers; for example, I am advised that most poisons have not a specific antidote and lay persons might be encouraged to treat cases of poisoning themselves when the correct course would be to seek medical advice.
In the circumstances I do not consider that the action proposed by the Deputy is necessary or advisable.