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Product Labelling

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 April 2021

Thursday, 29 April 2021

Ceisteanna (102, 149)

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

102. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health the contact there has been between his Department and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media on the issue of bilingual labelling of medical products. [22544/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

149. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health his plans to encourage businesses to use bilingual labelling on medical products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22524/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 102 and 149 together.

My Department is currently drafting a revised Language Scheme in accordance with Section 15 of the Official Languages Act 2003 to cover the period 2021-2023. The scheme will concentrate on the provision of services by the Department itself through Irish to the public; for example, Departmental speeches and press releases, public health advice, website content, replies to correspondence received in Irish. It is expected that the revised language scheme will soon be finalised and approved by the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.

The Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) is the compentent authority responsible for the regulation of medicines and other healthcare products in Ireland. Published guidance is available on the HPRA's website to aid companies looking to develop multilingual packaging.

There are no plans to introduce mandatory bilingual (Irish and English) labelling for medicines or medical devices authorised for use in Ireland.

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