Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the Health Service Executive difficulties in the supply of the Stelazine drug to the market here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40937/12]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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The company who supplies the tablets on the Irish market has identified an alternative manufacturing site and a supply of tablets for the Irish market is expected later this year. Until then a Stelazine syrup product is available on the Irish market as an alternative for patients who require this medicine.

My Department works closely has been with the Irish Medicines Board, (IMB), the Health Service Executive (HSE) and the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI) to identify ways in which the Irish system can manage medicines shortages as effectively as possible in order to minimise the impact on patients. The IMB and HSE work closely with each other to operationally manage medicines shortages when they arise. The PSI has recently published guidance to registered pharmacists on managing medicines shortages.