Vol. 529 No. 4
182 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if any structure has been put in place by his Department to examine the area of natural health products; if any progress has been made to allow the sale of St. John's Wort, Ginkgo, Biloba and Comfrey here; and his intentions in relation to the development of this industry. [3159/01]
The examination of proposals in this area is currently being conducted on my behalf by the Irish Medicines Board.
The board has recently submitted to me an interim report on the matter titled Herbal Medicines Project and has set up an ad hoc scientific expert group to advise on scientific and policy issues relating to the regulation of traditional, alternative and herbal medicinal products. The Irish Medicines Board is consulting widely with interested groups and individuals in the course of this work.
The nature of the controls that should apply to products such as St. John's Wort, Ginkgo Biloba and Comfrey, is a matter which will be considered in the course of this process.
The Irish Medicines Board has advised me that following further consultation with interested parties, a draft of the final proposal will be submitted to me later this year.
