502 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Health and Children his plans to extend the time limit for submissions on the proposed interim legislation on traditional medicine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1311/02]

514 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the Irish Medicines Board's proposed regulations for the control of traditional herbal remedies; his views on the fact that if these proposals are strictly implemented it could result in the loss of many safe and favourite remedies, compelling some consumers back onto pharmaceutical drugs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1373/02]

522 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the Irish Medicines Board's proposed regulations for the control of traditional herbal remedies; his views on whether, these proposals if strictly implemented, could result in the loss of many safe and favourite remedies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1419/02]

527 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children his views on documentation (details supplied) regarding the EU directive on licensing traditional medicine. [1481/02]

531 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will make a statement addressing the concerns of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 6W in relation to herbal remedies. [1537/02]

534 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the Irish Medicines Board intends to introduce regulations for herbal medicines; the reason the closing date for public comments on the proposed regulation was set during the Christmas period; his plans to extend the time for the submission of public comments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1540/02]

554 Mr. Lawlor asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will respond to the concerns of a person (details supplied) regarding the perceived unfairness in the composition of the advisory board on alternative medicine and in relation to the anticipated directive from the European Union. [1763/02]

689 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Health and Children his plans to introduce legislation or regulations regarding traditional medicines; if the Irish Medicines Board has submitted draft proposals to him in this regard; if he will meet representatives of the Health Food Association to enable them to make a submission in regard to this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2797/02]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 502, 514, 522, 527, 531, 534, 554 and 689 together.

I am pleased to inform the Deputies that on Wednesday, 23 January 2002, I received the Irish Medicine Board's report entitled Herbal Medicines Project Final Report. This report is currently being considered in my Department.