Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 May 2026
1229. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Health if she is aware of a shortage of librium medication that is impacting detox and stabilisation services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33227/26]
View answerMy Department is aware of the stress that shortages of medicines can cause for patients and healthcare professionals alike, thusly mitigating medicine shortages and strengthening security of supply is the subject of several workstreams in my Department, the wider health service and across Europe.
Ireland has a multi-stakeholder Medicines Shortages Framework in place, operated by our medicines regulator, the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) on behalf of the Department of Health. The framework aims to help prevent potential shortages from occurring and to reduce the impact of shortages on patients by coordinating the management of potential or actual shortages as they arise. Stakeholders in this framework include the HPRA, the Department, the HSE, healthcare professionals, manufacturers, wholesalers, patient representative groups and marketing authorisation holders.
In European law, pharmaceutical companies and wholesalers should ensure an appropriate and continuous supply of the medicines they market. Companies are required to notify the HPRA of medicines shortages or potential shortages impacting the Irish market. The HPRA maintains a list of current and resolved shortages on its website and is in regular contact with suppliers in relation to these shortages with a view to minimising their duration and impact on patients. The webpage is updated daily as the HPRA receives new information.
Viatris Healthcare Limited, the company responsible for supplying Librium, has notified the HPRA of a shortage of Librium 5mg Hard Capsules. This shortage was notified on the 10th of April 2026 and is affecting multiple countries. Viatris Healthcare Limited, has also notified the HPRA of a shortage of Librium 10mg Hard Capsules. This shortage was notified on the 9th of March 2026 and is affecting multiple countries.
Viatris Healthcare Limited have reported the 31st of July 2026 as the expected return date for both presentations. In the event that patients are unable to source a medicinal product due to supply constraints, they are advised to discuss possible alternatives with their healthcare professional pending the resumption of normal supply.
