asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the continued extensive use by the Institute of Clinical Pharmacology in Dublin of unemployed people living in hostels in the city for drug trials; and if he intends to implement the recommendation of the jury at the inquest into the death of Niall Rushe and, pending the introduction of legislation, an independent body involving the Department of Health should be established to examine recruitment, screening, security and safety procedures at the institute.
Written Answers. - Drug Trials.
520.
The National Drugs Advisory Board examines each proposal for a clinical trial by the Institute of Clinical Pharmacology in accordance with guidelines which have been agreed between the board and the medical profession. As the Deputy is aware, I intend putting this procedure on a statutory footing in the near future. I do not consider it necessary or appropriate to establish another body to examine each proposal for a clinical trial pending the introduction of the legislation.