899. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health to clarify the basis for the 5 January 2026 memo of the HSE codeine working group on low-dose codeine stating that low dose paracetamol ibuprofen are no more effective than paracetamol or ibuprofen alone for the management of pain; to instruct that low-dose codeine products should not be stocked routinely in clinical areas in any HSE or HSE-funded service, to remove from stock and stock lists if present, and to complete by 5 June 2026 including the evidence relied upon, the legal or policy framework underpinning the instruction; to confirm the reason such an instruction was issued prior to the completion of the HPRA review of over-the-counter codeine medicines; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32237/26]

Summary

899. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health to clarify the basis for the 5 January 2026 memo of the HSE codeine working group on low-dose codeine stating that low dose paracetamol ibuprofen are no more effective than paracetamol or ibuprofen alone for the management of pain; to instruct that low-dose codeine products should not be stocked routinely in clinical areas in any HSE or HSE-funded service, to remove from stock and stock lists if present, and to complete by 5 June 2026 including the evidence relied upon, the legal or policy framework underpinning the instruction; to confirm the reason such an instruction was issued prior to the completion of the HPRA review of over-the-counter codeine medicines; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32237/26]

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