Alex White (Dublin South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The issue the Deputy raises is related to this question, although it has a slightly different focus. The focus of Deputy Naughten's question was on the misuse of drugs regulations and the increasing problem of the availability, literally on the street, of prescription drugs, many of which are antidepressants and drugs prescribed for anxiety. Deputy Flanagan is correct to link that with what he claims is the practice of over-prescription, especially in the treatment of anxiety and depression. While the issues are linked, they are not precisely the same and there is an onus of conscience in the HSE and on the part of policy makers generally in respect of prescribing strategies. We have taken this on board in the area of prescribing in general, and not just in the area of prescribing and depression, so we can ensure that appropriate prescribing strategies are applied by the medical community. We rely on the professionalism of our doctors in huge measure, and that has always served us well, but I will take into consideration the points made by the Deputy.

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