Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fail)

First, I extend the sympathies of the Fianna Fáil Party to our colleague, Senator Teresa Costello, on the sad passing of her father, John Francis, and to Teresa's mother, Marian, and sister, Eileen.

One of the issues I want to bring up today is in relation to an article I read over the weekend about the results of the autopsy of a young 14-year-old girl in County Clare. Her name was Sarah Mescall and by all accounts she was a lovely, bright, athletic individual. Very sadly, she passed away two years ago. That was five days after becoming unwell having sniffed the contents of an aerosol deodorant. Sarah suffered a devastating brain injury, which subsequently led to brainstem death, and also had a cardiac arrest because of inhaling the contents of the deodorant. There was a suggestion that there was a type of dare challenge on social media in relation to young people. It is important to send our sympathies to Sarah's parents, Deirdre and Joe, who very kindly donated Sarah's organs to others, but there is a really key lesson here for us.We can never give enough warnings in respect of this type of activity. It is very important that we draw attention to this matter and send out a message to ensure that proper labelling goes on all of these products. It is sad it has taken a death to alert us to it, but it is important we highlight the matter.

I also want to raise the issue of putting medicines in blister packs for elderly and vulnerable parents. Shane Ryan, a community pharmacist whom I respect greatly, brought this to my attention over the past day or so. Blister packs are a lifeline for those on multiple medications. Having to take multiple medications can lead to confusion and non-compliance, which, in turn, can lead to the need for an increasing number of hospital visits. Pharmacists are using an existing scheme, namely phased dispensing. Under that scheme, the utilisation of blister packs has given rise to a very high level of compliance. The scheme has been endorsed by GPs, hospitals, patients and families. Unfortunately, the HSE support for it will be discontinued from 1 January next, except for those who are on psychiatric medication. For a small investment, there seems to be a significant return. We should write to the Minister and ask her to continue with the scheme as is.