1299. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Health in regard to online prescriptions of weight loss medication, what happens when a patient deliberately provides inaccurate information or photographs of their current condition (details supplied); the minimum clinical assessment required before high-dose weight-loss medication is prescribed remotely; and if patients with very low body weight or a history of eating disorders are subject to enhanced safeguards. [65036/26]

Under the Medicinal Products (Prescription and Control of Supply) Regulations 2003 (as amended), GLP-1 medicines are prescription-only medicines. Prescription-only medicines may only be supplied in accordance with the relevant medicines legislation. While a prescription may be issued by a registered medical practitioner following an appropriate clinical assessment, including through telemedicine, any subsequent dispensing and supply of prescription-only medicines by a pharmacy must be carried out in accordance with the applicable medicines legislation.

There are no specific statutory requirements governing the clinical assessment required for the remote prescribing of weight-management medicines. The nature and extent of any assessment is a matter for the treating practitioner, having regard to the patient's individual circumstances, applicable professional standards and the need to support safe and appropriate prescribing.

Healthcare professionals are expected to take appropriate steps to obtain sufficient and reliable information on which to base prescribing decisions and to consider relevant clinical factors, including any contraindications or risks that may affect the suitability of treatment.

The Department of Health will continue to engage with relevant stakeholders to support the safe and appropriate prescribing, dispensing and use of medicines in Ireland, including GLP-1 receptor agonists.