Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 308: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her plans to further restrict the availability of analgesics through non-pharmacy outlets; the extent to which the need to balance consumer public health issues alongside customer choice and availability of these everyday medicines should be considered in the context of future measures; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36479/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Irish Medicines Board is the statutory body responsible for the regulation of medicinal products in Ireland. The Board, in co-operation with its European Union counterparts, keeps the status of all medicinal products under review and any issues arising are examined and appropriate regulatory action taken if required.

The availability of analgesics is determined by the controls present in the Medicinal Products (Prescription and Control of Supply) Regulations 2003, as amended. There are no plans at present to further restrict the availability of analgesics in non pharmacy outlets. In determining the prescription status of any medicinal product, a wide range of issues are taken into consideration. While consumer choice is an important element of this process, the health and safety of the public is the key concern which must be addressed in any decision concerning the availability of a medicinal product. As stated above, the Irish Medicines Board is the statutory body responsible for the regulation of medicinal products in Ireland. The Board works closely with my Department in order to address any issues arising from the availability of medicinal products.