Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 346: To ask the Minister for Health and Children in view of the increasing numbers of rogue websites selling medicines to people without prescription will she outline the number of people prosecuted in relation to same; the steps she is taking to combat the illegal sale of medicines in this manner; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33058/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I am aware of serious concerns regarding the online sale of medicinal products, 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.

Anyone purchasing medicinal products via the Internet would normally have such products delivered by post. It is an offence in this country to supply prescription only medicines by mail order and provisions exist under the Prescription and Control of Supply Regulations to take action against anyone supplying prescription only medicines in this way. The Irish Medicines Board is responsible for investigating breaches of the medicines legislation in Ireland and the Board works closely with the Customs and Excise authorities to enforce these provisions.

While there have been no prosecutions in Ireland specifically in the area of internet sales of medicinal products, the Board monitors the activities of online pharmacies and takes action against such pharmacies where possible. However the difficulties associated with policing the Internet in general also apply to online sales of medicinal products. The vast majority of internet pharmacies are based outside Ireland and this poses great challenges in the area of enforcement. However, the Irish Medicines Board works in partnership with medicines enforcement agencies in Europe and elsewhere to address this and has in the past assisted agencies who have taken action against sites based outside Ireland.

Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 347: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide increased funding to allow pharmacists who treat methadone patients to install security cameras on their premises for the security of themselves and their staff; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33059/06]

Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.