Vol. 507 No. 2
152 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a situation has arisen where a person (details supplied) in County Waterford who was receiving drops through his local chemist from Moorfield Eye Hospital, London, is now unable to get them due to the fact that the hospital requires an export licence; the steps, if any, he will take to rectify the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16550/99]
My Department has recently become aware of anecdotal reports which suggest that, as a result of recent changes in practice or procedures by the Medicines Control Agency in Britain, the export of unlicensed medicinal products from Britain may now be subject to some form of export licensing controls. The Irish Medicines Board has contacted the British authorities seeking to clarify the situation and to ensure continuity of supply of any such medicines for Irish patients which they may require.
In the meantime, I am advised that, in the case to which the Deputy has referred, the pharmacist has established an alternative source of supply of the medication involved and will be in a position to supply the patient concerned.
