Vol. 488 No. 2
38 Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Health and Children the regulations covering the sale of paracetamol; the proposals, if any, he has to restrict quantities sold or the outlets where these can be bought; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5796/98]
The current position in relation to the sale of medicinal products containing paracetamol is that only packs containing not more than twenty-five 500mg tablets or equivalent may be sold in non-pharmacy retail outlets. Quantities above this amount may only be sold in pharmacies and may in certain circumstances require a prescription from a registered medical practitioner.
Because of concerns over the serious effects arising from overdosages of paracetamol, the Irish Medicines Board recently made a series of recommendations in relation to the sale of paracetamol, including a recommendation to further restrict the sale of paracetamol in non-pharmacy retail outlets to packs containing not more than twelve 500mg tablets or equivalent.
Consultations are taking place with interested parties on the implementation of the board's recommendations. Regulations to give statutory effect to the recommendations will be introduced once these consultations have been completed.
