Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 December 2025
419. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Health if she will confirm that the regulation of nursing practice including nurse prescribing and the scope of practice for nurses administering prescription only medicines such as Botulinum Toxin is a matter for the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland as the statutory regulator (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [73080/25]
View answerHealthcare regulators in Ireland are independent statutory organisations who work to protect the public through the promotion of high standards of education, training, and professional conduct and ensuring the safety and quality of health products. Certain areas of healthcare are multi professional and multi sectoral, requiring all regulators to work together to meet these aims.
The Minister understands that the relevant regulators, i.e. the Medical Council, the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland, the Dental Council, and the Health Products Regulatory Authority, have collaborated closely in the development of guidelines for regulated professionals in relation to the prescribing and administration of Botulinum Toxin products. She has been reassured that these statements accurately set out the current position and are mutually aligned. NMBI guidance - see www.nmbi.ie/Standards-Guidance/More-Standards-Guidance/Guidance-for-Registered-General-Nurses-Who-Perform- and the MC statement - see www.medicalcouncil.ie/news-and-publications/position-statements/statement-from-the-medical-council-on-the-prescribing-and-administration-of-botox.html - can be accessed on their websites.
