Fergal Browne (Fine Gael)

I rise in support of my colleagues. When it comes to health there is a certain amount of snobbery or elitism. Regardless of the Department of Health and Children, health professionals do not seem to want to give information to the public.

We are dealing with a sophisticated public. Consumers have access to the Internet and can access information if they so a wish. They deserve to access information and must be aware of all of the information readily available to them. Unfortunately, when people are sick they will do anything to get better. Therefore, if we do not fill the vacuum by giving them information, unscrupulous and dubious alternative medicines will spring up, as was seen in parts of the country. We should be taking a proactive role in this matter. The amendment tabled by Senator Quinn and ruled out of order was sensible. The public should be given the information it deserves. People should make up their own minds about what does or does not work.

The main point in section 11 is the appointment of a chairperson of the advisory committee and that the person will sit on the Irish Medicines Board. If the committee was split equally on a product but it was passed on a casting vote, would this information be relayed to the board? The chairperson of the advisory committee would be present and decisions on most products would be unanimous. If, for example, one product was quite contentious and the board was split equally, would the fact that there was a split in arriving at the final decision be communicated to the board as well as the overall decision or would there be any onus on the chairperson of the advisory board to inform the Irish Medicines Board of such?