Róisín Shortall
Ceist:397. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health his views on codeine addiction; the steps he is taking to address same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15727/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 24 March 2022
Ceisteanna (397)
Freagraí scríofa
Thank you for the question. Firstly, I would acknowledge that the safety concerns around the misuse of non-prescription medicinal products containing codeine are well established and this is an important medication safety issue. Codeine containing medicines should only be used when considered necessary and for the shortest period necessary. I would empathise with any individual patient of family impacted by the illness of addiction.
In relation to the specific query, there are currently a number of controls in place addressing the supply of prescription exempt medicinal products containing codeine. This group of products may only be supplied from a pharmacy under the personal supervision of a pharmacist. The pharmacist has a legislative obligation to be satisfied when supplying such products that the appropriate product is being sought and that the patient/purchaser is aware of the appropriate use of the medicinal product, the medicinal product is being sought for that purpose and the medicinal product is not intended for abuse and/or misuse. This obligation applies also when the product is being supplied through an online interaction and the pharmacist must personally review every online order.
The Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland regulates the practice of pharmacists and the operation of pharmacies in Ireland. It has been overseeing this issue since late 2009 when it first introduced particular guidance relating to the supply of these products and routinely monitors the adherence of pharmacists and pharmacies to the controls in place.