Vol. 508 No. 3
212 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has discussed the use of natural medicines with users or user groups in the context of the Irish Medicines Board's document of May 1999, Guide to the Definition of a Medical Produce; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18642/99]
The Irish Medicines Board, its guidelines on the interpretation of the definition of a medicinal product as set out in the Council directive, has revised and updated similar guidelines published by my Department in 1988. They do not include any new policies in regard to the controls in force in respect of medicinal products, including natural medicinal products. If products presented on the market include a medicinal claim, the product concerned is a medicinal product, and must be the subject of authorisations under the Medicinal Products (Licensing and Sale) Regulations, 1998, which gives effect to Council Directive 65/65/EEC of 1965. In the light of such a consistent approach, the need has not arisen to consult with user groups of natural medicines up to the present time.
I am aware of concerns expressed recently by consumers and representative organisations regarding the possible application of the guidelines. It is neither mine nor the board's intention or desire to in any way interfere with the rights of individuals to avail of those medicines which they may wish to use. At the same time, it is generally accepted that, in the interest of consumer health and protection, some form of regulation of alternative medicines is desirable and, this is supported in principle by the health food and alternative medicines industry. In this respect, the European Commission is considering what controls, if any, should be applied to health food products and natural medicines, including the possibility of providing simplified procedures for the licensing of alternative or traditional medicines, but has yet to bring forward any definitive proposals in this regard.
