Michael Finucane (Fine Gael)

I wish to raise an issue that concerns many people. In the past we were all extensively lobbied about St. John's wort, a medication sold in health shops. The Irish Medicines Board decreed that it could only be bought on prescription and, at the time, there was a furore over it. However, a person could establish a clinic in Killaloe and give out cancer therapy treatment to vulnerable people in the final stages of cancer, for which they paid €10,000. Legislation must be tightened up in this area to prevent cowboy medical practitioners setting up such facilities in future to prey on vulnerable people.

I understand the Minister for Health and Children has expressed concern and I urge him to expedite the tightening up of legislation in this area. A shocking situation has developed. Media attention has focused on this——