Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 November 2012
35. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the recent positive developments in the area of vaccines for lung cancer, prostate cancer and meningitis in Cuba; his views on whether the widespread availability of these vaccines for cancer and meningitis sufferers would be welcome; and if there is anything that he can do to promote their availability in here and in Europe. [44822/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraInternationally, research continues to result in the development of new medicines in a number of countries to fight a broad range of diseases, including those listed by the Deputy. There is a clear process whereby a pharmaceutical company may apply for a marketing authorisation to place a medicinal product on the market in Ireland.
Any pharmaceutical company that wishes to place a medicinal product on the market may seek a marketing authorisation from the Irish Medicines Board, or seek authorisation centrally from the European Medicines Agency. Strict controls are in place to ensure that whenever a new vaccine becomes available this vaccine is safe and effective.
I am kept informed by my Chief Medical Officer of new developments in this area.
