John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Question 190: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on whether all information leaflets regarding herbal products should contain the possible side effects of taking these products; the steps she intends to take to ensure this situation happens; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37752/05]

Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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European Council Directive 2004/24/EC provides for a system of registration for herbal medicinal products and includes a mechanism by which the conditions of use, dosage, labelling, etc. of these products can be taken into consideration in the course of their registration. This will ensure that these products are of an appropriate quality and safe for use. The new system will require that all known adverse effects should be mentioned in the package leaflet. Directive 2004/24/EC is part of a package of European pharmaceutical legislation which will be implemented in Ireland in 2006.

The Irish Medicines Board is the statutory body responsible for regulating medicinal products in Ireland. It will administer the system of registration provided for in the directive and will ensure that the appropriate information is included when these products are registered.

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Question 191: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the research which is being carried out here into the benefits of the Buteyko breathing method as a safe, natural asthma management technique which can be used in conjunction with medication if required; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37753/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I have had this matter examined and on consulting the Health Research Board, I have been informed that there has not to date been any HRB funded research in Ireland on breathing techniques for asthma. A small number of trials have been carried out outside this country looking at the efficacy of breathing techniques for asthma. No reliable conclusions can be drawn concerning the use of breathing techniques for asthma in clinical practice.

The use of any treatment modality in any area of medical practice is a matter for individual practitioners based on best practice as reflected in the peer-reviewed research literature, standards and guidance provided by professional bodies and practitioners' own individual experience. The Department would not be in a position to advocate the use of any particular programme of treatment in the complex and difficult area of asthma management.