Colm Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for her comprehensive reply and fully agree with her. We discussed with the Minister for Health earlier how the cost of medications in the ten year period 2000 to 2010 had increased from €570 million to €2 billion. We need to be conscious of this, but there would be many advantages in introducing this drug. I also accept that back-up support would be required.

I met some people who were dealing with this matter. They have produced a document - BRIEFcases - which will be presented to general practitioners. It sets out how they could assist people with this problem. It is comprehensive and lists the supports available to GPs in dealing with someone with this problem. It would be helpful if this medication was available. It would not help everyone, but it might help some and could help to reduce the risk for those engaging in excessive alcohol consumption. Anything that could be done in that regard would be helpful.

I again thank the Minister of State for her comprehensive reply but what everyone is looking for is a time guideline in dealing with this matter.