Jillian van Turnhout (Independent)
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I welcome Ms Horan before this committee and thank her for having put her name forward for this position, for having outlined to us her rationale and background and for the information that was sent to us in advance. I will not repeat what my colleagues have said. One query which I previously brought up with the Minister for Health regarding the Health Products Regulatory Authority, HPRA, relates to the promotion of so-called health products and Ms Horan's role in addressing this. Specifically, the issue I have is with the so-called miracle mineral solution, MMS, and the chlorine dioxide, CD, protocol, which are effectively what I would call in plain English industrial-strength bleaches. However, they are being promoted as cures or treatments for autism, and there is no cure for autism; it is a medical condition, and that is a fact. People are going around promoting these treatments, feeding into certain parents' wishes to do their best for their children, but some people are misinformed and the treatments are very dangerous for and harmful to children. I find it very difficult that there is nothing we can do to regulate or outlaw the use of these types of cures or treatments. When I last asked about this, apparently the HPRA were investigating, so I ask Ms Horan whether she has any update on this or any commitment regarding what we can do about these issues.