Billy Timmins
Ceist:253 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health the position regarding homoeopaths (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9116/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 16 February 2012
Ceisteanna (253, 254)
Freagraí scríofa
While homoeopathy is not regulated by my Department, homoeopaths, like all practitioners, are subject to the law, including consumer legislation, competition, contract and criminal law.
I understand that the Advertising Standards Authority for Ireland has had concerns about homoeopathic products or treatments being offered for serious or prolonged medical complaints in contravention of its advertising code and has engaged with the relevant representative body in the matter.
In addition, the Irish Medicines Board operates a registration scheme for homoeopathic medicines under the Medicinal Products (Control of Placing on the Market) Regulations 2007. Advertising of medicinal products is regulated by the Medicinal Products (Control of Advertising) Regulations 2007 and these Regulations prohibit the use of certain material (e.g. material which refers, in improper, alarming or misleading terms to claims of recovery) in advertisements of medicinal products.
Nicky McFadden
Ceist:254 Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the proposed primary care centre, Clonbrusk, Athlone, County Westmeath; if construction on the facility will go ahead this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9117/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing the publication of the ‘Infrastructure and Capital Investment 2012-2016: Medium Term Exchequer Framework', the Health Service Executive commenced drawing up its capital programme for the multi-annual period 2012-2016. The Executive is required to prioritise the capital infrastructure projects within its overall capital funding allocation taking into account the existing capital commitments and costs to completion over the period. A draft capital plan for the period 2012-2016 has been submitted to my Department. My Department is reviewing the proposals and following up with the HSE where further details may be required.
The proposed plan requires my approval with the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. Details of the plan will be published by the Executive following its approval.