Geraldine Feeney (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the Bill. It is a technical Bill to clear up various conflicts between existing Acts and to accord recognition to EU regulations. I agree with Senator Feighan that it might appear, at times, that we are over-regulated. I certainly feel that way occasionally, particularly with regard to local pharmacies.

Not long after I was elected to this House, I put on record the great role of the local pharmacy in giving people advice. One could go to the pharmacist without consulting a doctor and be assured that one was getting good advice and being properly looked after. However, with the new regulations the pharmacist, although highly qualified and competent, no longer feels comfortable about giving such advice.

Consider the situation regarding St. John's wort. Approximately 18 months ago all Members were lobbied strongly about this product. I live in Sligo and people there can drive 30 miles to the Border and buy it over the counter in a health food shop. It is cheap and convenient but here the product can only be sold under licence.

On the Order of Business recently I raised the problem of paracetamol. The rules on the sale of paracetamol have been tightened a great deal in that one can only buy one packet containing 12 capsules in a retail outlet. One will not be allowed to purchase a second packet. I have no difficulty with that. Unfortunately, however, I encountered two serious cases of self harm by overdosing on paracetamol. The consequences of overdosing with something that is as readily available as paracetamol are terrible for the person's liver. The damage is done in the space of a few hours. However, people are not sufficiently educated to realise that such damage can be done.

Perhaps we should consider putting a clear warning on packets of paracetamol stating that it can kill. If the liver is damaged badly enough, a person can die from liver failure. The two cases I encountered during the summer ended very tragically. One of the people involved did not realise they would cause as much damage. This is an issue worth examining.

Like Senator Feighan, I have selected a few issues from the Bill which interest me. Section 2 in Part 2 extends ministerial powers with regard to companies owning pharmacies. They are extended to cover the officers of the company. This is most important because the new trend in this country is that we no longer have local, family run pharmacies. Fortunately, or unfortunately, competition is everything and the bigger pharmacies and chain pharmacies are taking over.

Section 4 permits the Irish Medicines Board to issue licences and permits. This function was previously carried out by the Minister. I welcome such moves whereby responsibilities are removed from the Department and stronger powers are given to the Irish Medicines Board.

Section 5 changes the rules on the cultivation of the poppy. I smiled when I read that section over the weekend because there was much debate in this Chamber last week on the so-called poppy and the thought occurred to me that regardless of from where one is coming, all our views on the poppy are changing.

Section 9 updates the functions carried out under the Irish Medicines Board Act 1995 and allows them conform to European Union legislation. I suppose eventually every area will come under EU legislation but the section is welcome because we should have a common trend across the European market.

Section 14 amends the Irish Medicines Board Act 1995 in such a way that it removes any confusion between the sale and supply of medicinal products and their administration. The Bill clarifies the position and ensures that regulations may be made to control administration if required. Section 15 proposes to tighten up the enforcement and supervision of regulations under the Act, which is necessary. The timing is right and I welcome the section.

Part 4 makes certain technical changes to the Control of Clinical Trials Act 1987. I was pleased to hear the Minister of State say it would also cover nurse prescribing. I am an advocate of nurse prescribing. As a former member of An Bord Altranais I am aware that eight to ten years ago, the board called for such a measure. It has been a long road for the board but I welcome mention of it here today.

Nurse education is ever-changing. Our nurses are now educated with a four year primary degree that is very scientific and medically based. I welcome this change, which I note is in the area of palliative care. Other areas might also be examined. I am aware that consultant rheumatologists would welcome their nurse practitioners being able to inject patients and even prescribe. Rheumatology nurses give injections to patients, which is unusual for them, but that was covered under previous legislation and is welcome also. As a former member I believe nurse prescribing will be welcomed by the Medical Council; I do not believe medics will have any difficulty with it. As Senator Feighan pointed out, it will help alleviate some of their heavy workload.

The introduction of the Bill is welcome. It is short in nature and technical in content but it is necessary. Apart from it being technical it is important legislation and I look forward to the Committee Stage debate and whatever amendments may be tabled.