Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have received an e-mail from a 39 year old woman who is concerned about changing medicines that may cause havoc in coping with epilepsy. Over the weekend I met epileptics who had a difficulty. Part of the difficulty is the confidence factor in making a change. We need to allay the concerns of those who are genuinely upset. We heard from the Irish Epilepsy Association on Thursday and it presented a strong case to us. It is not opposed to the legislation, but there is a fear which is partly due to a disengagement on the part of the Irish Medicines Board from Epilepsy Ireland and partly due to the change in the branding of medication. It is a matter of confidence and familiarity. Deputy Denis Naughten has made the point that when an anti-epileptic drug, AED, is changed, it has a profound impact. We must allay that fear.