Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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133. To ask the Minister for Health if he will ban the use of the chlorine dioxide protocol as a treatment for autism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16015/15]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Under the Medicinal Products (Control of Placing on the Market) Regulations 2007, as amended, a medicine cannot be placed on the market in Ireland unless it has a marketing authorisation from the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) or a community marketing authorisation from the European Medicines Agency (EMA). Any product which makes a medicinal claim to treat medical conditions such as autism is considered to be a medicine and requires an authorisation under this legislation.

The product referred to as Chlorine Dioxide or CD Protocol, otherwise known as Miracle Mineral Solution (MMS) is not authorised as a medicine for sale or supply in Ireland. Any manufacture, supply or sale of this product for the purposes of treating a medical condition is illegal.

The HPRA, the competent authority for the implementation of the medicines legislation, has led a number of investigations into the alleged supply of CD Protocol in various parts of Ireland during the past year. It is pursuing a number of avenues of enquiry in what continues to be an open investigation into the manufacture, supply and sale of this product.

During its investigations to date, the HPRA has carried out searches at a number of premises assisted, where necessary, by An Garda Síochána and has also spoken to a number of individuals. In each case, substances and/or equipment have been detained for further examination.

The HPRA continues to advise consumers not to seek to purchase or take this product.