Vol. 569 No. 4
224 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children if there is a restriction on the number of times a doctor can prescribe a drug (details supplied) to the same person over a given period; and the guidelines to doctors in this regard. [17975/03]
I assume the Deputy is referring to Xalacon eye drops. Prescription of drugs for an individual patient is a matter for the clinical judgment of the physician concerned. I am sure the Deputy will appreciate this is a matter in which neither I, nor my Department, can become involved. However, it is understood it is usual practice to prescribe either a course of treatment, for example, in the case of antibiotics, or a month's supply for ongoing medication.
