asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the growing concern regarding the purchase of cough bottles by young people, the contents of which are mixed with alcohol, and to the fact that this practice is on the increase; and if he will institute discussions with the representatives of pharmaceutical interests with a view to curbing this problem.
Written Answers - Purchase of Cough Mixtures.
218.
I am aware of reports regarding the abuse of cough mixtures. I have no specific information available to me which demonstrates that this form of abuse is on the increase but I am keeping the position generally under review.
Pharmacists have been advised by the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland to exercise caution in the sale of those mixtures, especially to young people, and to report any incidence of a demand for such preparations which would suggest that they were being obtained other than for medical purposes.