Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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I welcome all the witnesses here today to discuss this important issue. I particularly want to welcome Ms Caroline Sloan and offer my sympathy on the loss of her daughter. I commend her on her campaign and thank her for telling us about the campaign to date.

The campaign is calling for better information for people with allergies. The issues that have been raised a very down to earth and normal for most people. I agree that there should be an EpiPen in every first-aid box and with trained first responders. I also agree that they should be readily available in schools, crèches and restaurants. People can cater for diabetics and are also trained to use defibrillators, so why not EpiPens?

I wish to ask Ms Sloan about training and supports. What type of awareness campaigns should be run on EpiPens? I am asking questions today on my own behalf and that of Deputy Ó Caoláin who has had to attend the Dáil Chamber. I wish to raise a few additional questions. Is it the witnesses' understanding that the State can introduce legislation to provide EpiPens to the public without the prior blessing of the EU Commission? Would this be in line with how we apply defibrillators?

Why does Ireland have fewer allergists than in the US or other EU countries? I read with concern the witnesses' comments that access to allergy services is in breach of HSE guidelines. This is alarming. Is there anything the HSE can do immediately without new legislation being introduced?

I read with interest that the campaign group established a first responder anaphylaxis auto-injector programme in 2010, but this is now dormant. Can Ms Sloan explain where the problem lies? Does she believe that the pilot programme can be expanded despite the lack of legislation, or is legislation required?

Are there any circumstances where a lay person should be allowed to use an injector? Is this just because we in Ireland do not have laws to cover this practice? Does it happen in other EU countries?

What implication will the current EU review have on the provision of injectors in Ireland? If the review calls for a change in regulations governing the supply of injectors, how long will it take to legislate for it in Ireland?