Lynn Ruane (Independent) | Oireachtas source

It is good to hear that the Minister of State is exploring how to make naloxone prescription free. I understand that training is necessary but in an emergency situation it is much like the use of an EpiPen. Nasal naloxone, which is applied in a shot straight up the nose, is obviously a much easier option. There are loads of options.

We must also empower community leaders. Communities are trained in suicide prevention and how to respond. If naloxone could be freely accessed in a chemist, some minimal training could be provided to individual chemists or doctors who could give insight to family members on what is expected of them in an emergency if a trained person is not around. Training is important, but other than bringing someone around this is not a drug that is going to cause any harm. I am glad to hear that the authorities are looking at ways to make naloxone prescription free.

I hope the Minister of State can also communicate with the prisons to see how we can make naloxone more accessible within the prison system. When you walk into Mountjoy at the moment there is a big sign promoting naloxone. When you leave prison you are more susceptible to overdose anyway in those first few weeks because you have not had the same access to an opioid yet you cannot access naloxone in prison. I might follow up with the Minister of State specifically on the point about prisons. The Department of Justice might also need to comment on that as well.