Mr. Pat O'Mahony:

I welcome the focus on training. It is a very important part of the overall solution. There were two specific questions addressed to our side, the first referred to the current EU review for these categories of products. Let me clarify that the review relates to the design of the products and the information that is provided to patients. It does not cover the prescription status and that is determined at national level so it will have no bearing on that issue. The second question relates to the legal basis that can be provided to make any changes that might be foreseen. There were comments on a comprehensive Bill, which would clearly provide for that. We also believe there are precedents existing under the prescription control and supply regulations which currently allow first responders to use prescription medicines. We think this provision could be explored as an option. The question of whether we could do it without EU Commission approval and the answer is yes it can be done locally at national level.