Vol. 527 No. 2
104 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will favourably consider submissions made by the Irish Herbal Practitioners Association with reference to directive 65/65EEC; and if so, the timeframe in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28038/00]
I am currently awaiting proposals from the Irish Medicines Board concerning the arrangements to be put in place for the introduction of a regulatory system for "alternative and traditional" medicinal products, including herbal medicinal products.
A scientific expert group has been established within the board to liaise with the project manager and to advise the board on the nature of the interim licensing scheme to be put in place. This group consists of experts from the "conventional" and "non-conventional" areas and includes a representative from the Irish Herbal Practitioners Association. The inclusion of this representative will enable the association to have its views considered. I understand that the Irish Medicines Board will be reporting to me shortly.
