I thank the Irish Examiner for warning the Leader in advance of the issue I wish to raise and on which I want to provide advice for the House. I am extremely concerned by the emergence in the alternative health arena in Ireland of a highly dangerous so-called treatment for children with autism. The offending products are called "Miracle Mineral Solution", MMS, and "chlorine dioxide CD protocol", which is a more dilute but nevertheless toxic form of MMS. Proponents of MMS like to package it as a combination of sodium chlorite and citric acid mixed together to make chlorine dioxide. Essentially, this is industrial-strength bleach. The sale or supply of MMS as a medicine is banned in a number of countries including Ireland, the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada. However, despite the absence of any medical research to support its use as a medical intervention, it is still being marketed worldwide as a miraculous cure for serious diseases including AIDS, hepatitis, malaria, herpes, tuberculosis, cancer and Crohn's disease.

MMS and CD protocol, although illegal, are being promoted and sold in Ireland as a treatment for autism. The Health Products Regulatory Authority, HPRA, is investigating a number of cases. It is important to stress that autism is not a disease. Rather, it is a neural developmental condition which affects social interaction and communication skills. To put it simply, this is a hoax and scam. A training seminar has been advertised in Kildare for November in order to promote "doctors" who will be able to give this treatment to children. I have been in contact with the Minister for Health and thank him for getting back to me and I understand the HPRA and the Garda are monitoring the situation. Parents must be warned of the dangers of this treatment. It is a dangerous, toxic combination of chemicals and we cannot allow it be promoted in Ireland. I call on the Leader to support my call to the Minister. We must take greater action. I can buy this product from companies that are manufacturing it in Ireland, but it threatens the lives of children here.