Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his response. Mr. Basil Miller, director of communications at the Wellbeing Foundation, stated in 2011 that 95% of patients are being given antidepressants contrary to guidelines. That equates to roughly €55 million per year which is paid out by the HSE for antidepressant drugs for patients who would be better off on treatments other than medication. There are savings to be made here as we come towards the budget.

The Department of Health has promised to address the issue of over-prescribing, but it does not seem to be happening. When exactly next year will we see regulations in this area? Not only is it costing the health service money, but it is costing lives. Prescription antidepressants are freely available on the streets in Ireland and this is delaying important treatment for vulnerable people, which can only lead to self-harm and death.

See this speech in context