Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 May 2026
898. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if she is satisfied that the HPRA review process on over-the-counter codeine medicines meets the required standards of transparency, proportionality and scientific rigour; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32236/26]
View answerThe Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) is the competent authority for medicines in Ireland and is currently conducting an independent review of the method of sale and supply of codeine-containing medicinal products that are currently available without a medical prescription in Ireland. It is expected that the HPRA will finalise this review in 2026.
Following the completion of this review, the Department of Health will engage with relevant stakeholders to assess the recommendations made by the HPRA, and to fully consider any policy changes that may be required regarding the regulation of codeine-containing medicinal products.
