Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:249 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the extent to which his Department encourages or supports alternative medicine techniques; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15077/01]
Written Answers. - Medicinal Products.
My Department supports any measures taken by the public to maintain their own health. However, the debate last year concerning traditional medicinal products served to alert the public to the fact that "natural" does not always equate with safety where medicinal products are concerned. The number of traditional medicinal products on the market is increasing and the fact that they are largely unlicensed and not subject to control is a matter of concern. I am concerned to ensure that the public health interest is protected and that there is no undue delay in achieving this objective. The debate on traditional medicinal products has also highlighted the lack of a common approach at EU level in regard to the regulation of these products. While the matter is being addressed by a working group set up by the EU pharmaceutical committee in 1999, it is not anticipated that there will be an early resolution to the significant lack of harmonisation in this area. In recognition of these difficulties I have asked the Irish Medicines Board and officials of my Department to investigate the possibility of developing an interim licensing system for traditional use products which would allow such products to be lawfully marketed in this country.
The board has recently submitted an interim report on the matter to my Department and has set up anad hoc committee to advise on scientific and policy issues relating to the proposed scheme. This group includes persons with backgrounds in both conventional and non-conventional medicine. The Irish Medicines Board is anxious to ensure that the general public and interested organisations have a mechanism by which to make their views known in the course of this process. I share the board's concern in this matter. The board is therefore continuing to consult with the various interested groups and individuals and has advised me that following further consultation with interested parties, a draft of the final proposal will be submitted to me later this year.
I have also proposed that a consultative forum be held to discuss the issue of statutory registration of providers of non-conventional medicine and therapy. A date for this forum has yet to be decided, but it is likely to occur shortly.