Ms Caroline Sloan:

Deputy McLellan asked about training in using the pens, but they are actually very simple to use. In fact, any training that would be required would relate to the ability to recognise the signs of anaphylactic shock. A Sinn Féin representative to whom I have spoken told me that in the United States mobile telephone apps are available explaining what anaphylactic shock is and how to recognise it. Information packs are sent to schools containing a USB device from which information can be downloaded and made available to every class. There really is no requirement for intensive one-on-one training. From what we have seen, the materials provided are very simple and easy to use, focusing on educating people to recognise the signs. In addition, if ID bracelets and cards were in use, anybody would know from looking at them what is happening to the person concerned and that the epinephrine pen should be administered.

One of the members asked whether there are any side effects if a pen is administered to somebody who is not actually in anaphylactic shock. There are no such effects as far as I am aware, but Professor Hourihane might confirm that.