43 Mr. L. Burke asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the fact that about 75% of medicines administered to children are not evaluated as to their suitability for children; and if he will support moves to have the EU adopt a scheme to encourage Europe's pharmaceutical companies to develop drugs that are specifically suitable for children as advocated by the French Government. [28948/00]

I am aware that the French EU Presidency outlined, in a draft memorandum on paediatric drugs – SN 3195/00 – of 14 June 2000, proposals to foster research and clinical trials for medicinal products provided for children. This subsequently became the basis for a draft Council resolution on paediatric medicines – document 13187/00 SAN 115 – which is currently being considered by the member states.

The resolution observes that medicinal products intended for children necessitate appropriate pharmaceutical presentation, to ensure easy and safe administration and also points out that a large number of the medicinal products administered to children may not have been evaluated specifically for paediatric use.