Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 7 Apr 1992

Vol. 418 No. 4

Written Answers. - Use of Drug.

Bernard Allen

Ceist:

143 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health if he will make a statement on a recent report published by medical staff of the Department of Gynaecology at University College Cork that long-acting sedatives are widely used for night sedation in many Irish maternity hospitals and that these drugs are listed in the British National Formulary among those to be avoided or used with caution in pregnancy; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Health (Dr. O'Connell)

I assume that the Deputy is referring to a report in the Irish Medical Times of 27 March 1992. I have had inquiries made from the Department of Gynaecology at University College Cork and I am informed that there was no report on the lines suggested. I understand that a project touching on the matter was presented at a recent meeting of a clinical society in Cork but that no publication has resulted from this meeting.

The sedatives referred to in the Irish Medical Times report are benzodiazepines. In making his decision in regard to the prescription of these drugs, a doctor will have regard to the specific guidelines of the National Drugs Advisory Board about their use. It is, however, a matter for decision by a doctor in the light of his professional judgement what medication he should prescribe in any individual case.