Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 212: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the reason a plant (details supplied) is not available across the counter here as is the case worldwide; and her plans to create the same across the counter availability here. [3060/09]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Under the Medicinal Products (Prescription and Control of Supply) Regulations, 2003 (as amended), the plant mentioned by the Deputy is available for sale or supply only on foot of a prescription from a registered medical practitioner. I am advised by the Irish Medicines Board that interactions between the plant and a large number of commonly used medicines can lead to a potential decrease in the effectiveness of those medicines. It is therefore considered that the medicinal use and safety profile of the plant requires the intervention and supervision of a medical practitioner to ensure correct diagnosis, usage and patient care.