Vol. 407 No. 6
170 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the steps and controls he has introduced to eliminate excessive prescribing of tranquilisers; and in view of the fact that tranquilisers should not be prescribed for more than six months at a stretch, the plans he has to introduce regulations to ensure that this becomes the accepted norm.
The prescribing of tranquilisers is subject to the controls as set out for such drugs in the Medical Preparations (Control of Sale) Regulations, 1987. Furthermore, in granting product authorisations for such preparations, attention is drawn to the possible side effects, including those that may arise from prolonged usage. Medical practitioners prescribing tranquilisers would also be fully informed as to the possibility of such side effects. I am satisfied that the present regulations provide adequate controls in the matter.
