asked the Minister for Health if he proposes to take any steps to bring about a reduction in the number of cases of aspirin poisoning, in particular among young children.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Aspirin Poisoning.
58.
The National Drugs Advisory Board have had the matter raised in the question under consideration and have submitted recommendations to me regarding the sale of flavoured aspirin preparations—that they be suitably labelled and that their sale should be restricted to pharmacies.
These recommendations are at present being considered by Comhairle na Nimheanna in conjunction with the preparation of new regulations to be made under the Poisons Act, 1961.
In the meantime, the National Drugs Advisory Board have had discussions with the Pharmaceutical, Chemical and Allied Industries Association regarding the marketing and sale of aspirin generally. The board and the association have agreed on a number of measures, for example, the labelling of aspirin to indicate that it is a medicine and should be kept out of the way of children; the use of dark or opaque containers so that contents are not clearly visible; the use of child resistant containers and the limitation of pack size.
Some of these measures have already been implemented and steps are being taken to put the remainder into effect shortly.