Fergal Browne (Fine Gael)

We had an interesting discussion last week about the sale of drugs over the Internet. Senator Ryan made a comment about boosting his love life. As I understand it, if a company in Ireland sends spam e-mail, it is breaking the law and can be prosecuted. However, the majority of spam e-mail comes from abroad. It has been stated that the Bahamas, where we have no jurisdiction, is the main source of such spam. I understand that spam e-mail has been outlawed in the US and companies can be immediately shut down if they send spam e-mails. Could the Minister of State clarify matters regarding the sale of medicines over the Internet?

Will the impending decision on the prescribing of drugs by pharmacists in Northern Ireland have any implications here for people who travel north to purchase drugs and bring them back over the Border for their personal use?