Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 September 2026
847. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 66423/26 whether action will be taken against a social media company (details supplied) which continues to have multiple posts (details supplied) promoting these harmful so-called cures. [68772/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder 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 a medical condition, is considered to be a medicine and requires authorisation under this legislation.
Chlorine dioxide products, sometimes referred to as Miracle Mineral Solution (MMS), are not authorised as medicines for sale or supply in Ireland. Any manufacture, supply or sale of such products for the purpose of treating a medical condition is illegal.
The HPRA, as the competent authority for the implementation of medicines legislation, has previously warned against the use of chlorine dioxide products and has led a number of investigations into their alleged manufacture, supply and sale. The HPRA uses a range of enforcement powers to tackle such activity, including the seizure of products and, where appropriate, prosecution.
The HPRA, in cooperation with Revenue's Customs Service, An Garda Síochána and other international regulatory and law enforcement agencies, actively monitors the movement and supply of unauthorised and illicit medicines to Ireland.
As part of its enforcement remit, the HPRA monitors and disrupts online activity promoting unauthorised medicines. In 2025, 4,762 web pages, e-commerce listings and/or social media pages were amended or shut down. The posts identified have been referred to the HPRA for review.
Products marketed as treatments or cures are subject to medicines legislation and must have the appropriate regulatory authorisation before being placed on the market. Where unauthorised medicinal products are manufactured, supplied, sold or promoted, the HPRA may take enforcement action in accordance with the legislation.
