Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 82: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that 92,000 medicinal products were seized as a result of Irish Medicines Board investigation in 2006; if her attention has further been drawn to the fact that the board's enforcement section seized the products following investigations into the illegal sale, importation of prescription only medicine over the Internet and direct mail; the steps she is taking to address the sale of these illegal medicines; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15480/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I am aware of the concerns regarding the sale of medicinal products via the Internet. My colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Tim O'Malley, previously met a number of interested parties, including the Irish Medicines Board, officers of the Customs drugs law enforcement unit and An Post to discuss this matter.

The sale of prescription only medicinal products via the Internet is a source of concern since such sales do not have any requirement for the type of consultation and safety precautions which would normally accompany the sale of a medicinal product. The sale of prescription only medicinal products in Ireland by mail order is prohibited under Regulation 19 of the Medicinal Products (Prescription and Control of Supply) Regulations 2003, as amended.

As the Deputy is aware, the sale of prescription only medicinal products and the operation of Internet pharmacies is monitored in Ireland by the Irish Medicines Board, which takes appropriate action where necessary.