Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 141: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she is satisfied with the information currently available to parents regarding the side effects of the Tamiflu injection; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32225/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Tamiflu, which is available in a capsule or suspension format, is an antiviral agent which is licensed in Ireland for the treatment and prevention of influenza in adults and children aged one year and older: it is a prescription only medicine. As with all licensed medicines, it should only be used in accordance with the terms and conditions of its product authorisation (licence) and/or in accordance with a doctor's directions: currently there is no licensed injectable form available. The Irish Medicines Board is the statutory body responsible for the regulation of medicinal products in Ireland. The Board is satisfied with the information currently available on this product.

Various guidance and protocol documents regarding the stockpiling and use of antiviral products during an influenza pandemic are being drafted and are now at an advanced stage. These will be reviewed regularly to take into account new information and international guidance, including guidance for their use in children.