Written answers

Tuesday, 23 September 2014

Department of Health

Medicinal Products Licensing

Photo of Fergus O'DowdFergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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394. To ask the Minister for Health his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding a new product. [35792/14]

Photo of Séamus KirkSéamus Kirk (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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400. To ask the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to a cult know as Genesis II Church and its targeting of parents of autistic children on the basis that it has a cure for autism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35822/14]

Photo of Fergus O'DowdFergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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416. To ask the Minister for Health his views on the suitability of allowing new products to be distributed here. [35903/14]

Photo of Kathleen LynchKathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 394, 400 and 416 together.

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are defined as a neurodevelopmental disorder that impacts on language, social interaction and communication and behaviour. ASD is classified in the international classification system as a ‘mental and behavioural disorder’.

ASDs are viewed as lifelong conditions. The HSE advises that there are no therapies or drug treatments for ASD that are curative.

This Government is committed to providing specialist supports to enable each individual with a disability, including those with ASD, to achieve his or her full potential and maximise independence, including living as independently as possible. Services are provided in a variety of community and residential settings in partnership with service users, their families and carers and a range of statutory, non-statutory and community groups.

Services provided by ASD service providers include assessment, diagnosis and ongoing treatment and intervention supports. Ongoing interventions and supports may include home support services, respite services and multi-disciplinary team supports to assess the individual needs of each person with ASD and provide for the appropriate interventions.

Products that claim to treat medical conditions such as autism are considered to be medicines and require an authorisation prior to being placed on the market in Ireland. The product referred to as Miracle Mineral Solution is not authorised as a medicine for sale or supply in Ireland. This product is considered to be a medicine and therefore cannot be supplied in Ireland without a marketing authorisation.

The supply of unauthorised products in Ireland is a very serious matter. The Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) has confirmed that it is actively following up on this issue as a matter of urgency. The HPRA continues to advise consumers not to take this product as its safety and efficacy have not been independently verified by a competent authority for medicines, such as the HPRA.

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