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Over 1 Million Units Of Illegal Medicines Detained By HPRA In 2024
Over one million units of illegal medicines were detained by the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) in 2024, marking a 14% increase compared to numbers detained in 2023. Announcing its annual enforcement data, the HPRA confirmed that it detained 1,000,984 dosage units* of falsified and other illegal medicines in 2024. The data highlights that anabolic steroids, sedatives and erectile dysfunction products are consistently the most detained categories of medicines year on year.
The HPRA continues to encourage consumers to make informed and safe choices by purchasing prescription medicines only from authorised sources, ensuring their safety and quality.
When prescription medicines are bought on-line in Ireland there is no way of knowing for certain if the product is genuine, if it contains the right active ingredient or if it has been tested and approved for human use. The HPRA states that the supply of online prescription medicines into and within Ireland is illegal and that consumers are taking a risk with their health if they seek to buy outside of the regulated pharmacy setting or via the internet.
The HPRA detention figures for 2024 include:
- Anabolic steroids – 203,088 units detained (20%^)
- Sedative medicines – 146,686 units detained (15%)
- Erectile dysfunction – 119,289 units detained (12%)
- Analgesic medicines – 113,555 units detained (11%)
The HPRA also noted an upward trend in detentions of GLP-1 products including, predominantly, semaglutide and liraglutide. While overall numbers remain low, 1,582 units of GLP-1 products were detained in 2024 compared to 568 units in 2023 and just 40 units in 2022.
As part of its enforcement remit, the HPRA conducts ongoing monitoring to identify illegal online activity promoting prescription medicines and other substances to consumers. It routinely intervenes to disrupt online promotions through website closure and social media page removals. The HPRA also initiates prosecution cases where it considers that there is a significant risk to public health or where there are persistent non-compliances. In 2024, the HPRA undertook several significant enforcement actions, including:
- Two prosecution cases initiated, one relating to the importation or distribution of anabolic steroids and one relating to the importation or distribution of the weight loss product Saxenda;
- 2,553 websites, e-commerce listings and/or social media pages amended or shutdown.
Grainne Power, Director of Compliance with the HPRA, says the 2024 data continues to highlight that individuals are putting their health at risk by attempting to purchase prescription medicines from unauthorised suppliers:
“While purchasing on-line is second nature for many of us, when it comes to prescription medicines, people need to ensure that the product is prescribed by a healthcare professional and sourced from a local pharmacy. Your pharmacy has sourced medicines from authorised sources for your protection and is an expert in their use. Using these prescription medicines without medical supervision or from an unregulated source leaves people unprotected. The seizure of over one million dosage units of illegal medicines last year highlights the persistent extent of the threats posed by falsified and unauthorised prescription medicines. Our investigations and prosecutions have shown that those profiting from illegally supplied medicines have little or no regard for the health and safety of those who use them. While some websites may appear legitimate, many are simply fronts for unlawful activity, putting consumers at serious risk.
“In addition to our enforcement efforts, which target promotion and supply, it is also essential that we continue our efforts to raise public awareness about the dangers of purchasing prescription medicines from unregulated sources. Increasing awareness of these risks to reduce demand is critically important.
“We understand that there are many reasons why members of the public seek out these illegally supplied products, such as privacy, ease of access, cost, or the belief that their doctor might not deem it appropriate medical use. However, regardless of the reason, it is never worth taking a risk when it comes to your health. We advise anyone who has purchased prescription medicines from unregulated sources to stop using them immediately and to contact their healthcare professional if they have any concerns about their health,” she concluded.
The HPRA works in close co-operation with colleagues from An Garda Síochána and Revenue’s Customs Service. There continues to be significant inter-agency collaboration to combat the illegal supply of health products into and within Ireland. The HPRA also supports prosecutions brought by the Director of Public Prosecutions in relation to the illegal supply of medicines. Additionally, the HPRA co-operates and shares intelligence with other regulatory and law enforcement agencies across Europe and worldwide to prevent the illegal manufacture, importation and distribution of medicines, medical devices, and cosmetics.
The HPRA welcomes reports of suspicious activities linked to the supply of medicines and other health products. Anyone can report in confidence to the HPRA at reportacase@hpra.ie or at 01 6343871.
DSPCA At Full Capacity With Almost 250 Animals Waiting For Adoption
To raise vital funds and encourage responsible adoption, the charity has launched ‘Furrever Friends’ toy collection
The Dublin Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (DSPCA), Ireland’s leading animal welfare charity, is currently at full capacity with almost 250 animals in its care waiting for adoption.
These animals include 120 dogs; 43 rabbits; 63 cats; 13 guinea pigs; two snakes; two donkeys to mention but a few.
So far this year, the shelter has received over 300 surrender requests from people wishing to rehome their pets.
To raise vital funds and reinforce the message that adopting an animal should be a well-considered decision that fits each person’s lifestyle, the DSPCA has launched its ‘Furrever Friends’ plush toy collection.
This collection includes a variety of animals from dogs to cats, rabbits to reptiles, and each ‘Furrever Friend’ comes with an educational leaflet offering guidance on responsible pet adoption and care for each animal.
The toys are designed to showcase that a pet requires care, attention and commitment and highlights key factors to consider before adoption, such as species, temperament and lifestyle.
“We see a lot of cases of pets being surrendered because families weren’t fully prepared or aware of the commitment involved,” said Tanya Clarke, Head of Dog Operations at the DSPCA. “Our ‘Furrever Friends’ plush toys provide a way for people, especially children and families, to engage with the idea of pet ownership in a responsible, thoughtful manner before making that big decision.
“We want to ensure each pet that is adopted from our shelter finds its forever home and the funds and awareness raised through this initiative will help us reach our goal and continue to care for as many animals in need as possible, as well as uniting families with the perfect pet that suits their lifestyle.”
‘Furrever Friends’ are now available to purchase at www.dspca.ie/shop and 100% of proceeds go directly towards the DSPCA’s work in rescuing and rehoming animals.
Irish Headquartered Technology Firm Konversational Agree Multi-Million Euro Deal With UK’s Largest Independently Owned Managed Service And Security Provider Wavenet
- Konversational supporting three-year deal with roll-out of ServiceNow solutions
- Major digital transformation to benefit 22,000 plus enterprise clients
Irish technology consultancy firm Konversational is pleased to announce a multi-million euro deal with Wavenet the UK’s largest independently owned Managed Service and Security Provider (MSSP) to support its investment in ServiceNow. The Dublin headquartered company will oversee the implementation and deployment of a suite of ServiceNow technology solutions as part of a large-scale digital transformation programme at Wavenet.
The UK firm provides telecoms, cybersecurity, IT and technology solutions to over 22,000 enterprise customers. It employs 1,700 people in 30 locations across the UK, including London and has an annual turn-over of €500 million. Following a merger with Daisy Corporate Services, it has prioritised a significant digital transformation programme to accelerate its future commercial growth ambitions.
As part of this Konversational will implement and deploy a suite of ServiceNow solutions across the entire Wavenet organisation. Upon completion it will deliver greater capacity across its internal IT infrastructure; enhanced communications channels for its 2,000 employees; provide greater connectivity and efficiencies; enhanced project management and a greater customer experience for its 22,000-strong client base.
Founded in 2020, Konversational is now one of the largest and most experienced partners working with ServiceNow in Ireland and the UK. This latest deal follows on from expansion into France, Germany and Switzerland and builds further on its reputation as one of the fastest growing technology consultancies in Ireland.
Richard Guy, Services Director, Konversational said,
“We are pleased to have the opportunity to work with Wavenet at a very exciting point in its growth. With huge market demand for cybersecurity, telecoms and technology solutions, it is an ideal time for Managed Service Providers in this space to capitalise on the opportunity. In doing so it is about harnessing technology solutions that deliver a cutting-edge, provide a significant advantage and overall deliver real value to customers. This partnership reflects our strong pedigree, expertise and skillset within the Managed Service Provider space, and our unique ability to support clients maximise efficiencies from their investment in cutting-edge technologies. This latest deal bolsters our reputation as the go-to partner of choice for projects of this scale, with our award-winning implementation and extensive knowledge of ServiceNow technologies.”
Damian Stirrett, GVP and GM UK and Ireland at ServiceNow, said,
“With its latest release, ServiceNow’s AI Platform meets the unique needs and challenges of organisations across many industries, including cybersecurity, telecoms and technology, allowing businesses to recognise faster time to value and greater ROI of its GenAI capabilities. Through this great partnership, Wavenet will be empowered with all the latest innovations of the Now Platform, delivering enhanced experiences to their entire ecosystem.”
Stewart Motler, Chief Operating Officer, Wavenet said,
“We are thrilled to partner with Konversational during this pivotal time of growth. Their expertise and innovative solutions align perfectly with our vision, enabling us to scale more effectively and deliver enhanced value to our customers. Together, we look forward to driving transformative results and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.”
Hoteliers Cite Rising Business Costs as Biggest Challenge for 2025
Irish Hotels Federation 87th Annual Conference
“The Government, in partnership with the industry, has a pivotal role to play in creating a more positive business environment for enterprises throughout our sector,” says IHF President Michael Magner
- Business sentiment down with hoteliers reporting a drop in room occupancy rates for 2024
- 94% of hoteliers concerned about the outlook for the global economy
- Forward bookings for hotels down €100m for 2025 compared with this time last year
Increasing business costs, lower occupancy levels and growing global economic and political uncertainty are among the pressing concerns facing hoteliers as they gather today for the Irish Hotels Federation’s (IHF) 87th Annual Conference taking place this year in the Gleneagle Hotel & INEC in Killarney.
Recent industry research carried out by the IHF shows a drop in business levels within the sector. In 2024, the average national hotel room occupancy stood at 74% for the year as a whole, down 2% on the previous year when an occupancy rate of 76% was achieved. With most regions seeing a drop in occupancy levels, a significant disparity continues to exist across the regions, ranging from 70% occupancy in the border region to 81% in Dublin.
Business sentiment among hoteliers for the year ahead is down for a second year running with 37% of hoteliers reporting a positive outlook for trading conditions over the next 12 months. This contrasts with 47% who reported a positive outlook this time last year and 74% the previous year.
This is reflected in forward bookings, which are pacing behind 2024. Compared to the same time last year, hoteliers are reporting a further drop of 2% in business levels on the books for 2025, equivalent to €100m in bookings. While results indicate that the domestic market and North America are holding up so far, hoteliers are reporting a net drop in bookings from Great Britain, Northern Ireland and the Rest of Europe.
Commenting on the outlook for the sector, IHF President Michael Magner highlighted the exceptional increases in operating costs over the last three years, which have eroded profitability, particularly for smaller hotels with less than 100 rooms that are more reliant on food and beverage sales.
While hoteliers continue to rank rising costs as the most serious challenge facing their business, the wider economic environment in which hotels operate is also a growing concern. Some 94% of hoteliers say they are worried about the global economy and the potential impact of political uncertainty in key markets. Closer to home, some 78% of hoteliers say they are concerned about the outlook for the Irish economy over the next twelve months with consumer finances remaining under considerable pressure and international developments posing risks to the Irish economy.
Mr Magner states: “Last year was very difficult for many businesses within our sector due to what can only be described as relentless increases in the cost of doing business. This has been a persistent challenge for hotels and the wider hospitality industry since 2022 with no let-up in sight. The situation has been compounded by the decision to increase the rate of hospitality VAT, which has hit food service businesses particularly hard. It is therefore very welcome that the Government has committed to revisiting the VAT issue as part of the budgetary process.”
“The Government, in partnership with the industry, has a pivotal role to play in creating a more positive business environment for enterprises throughout our sector,” said Mr Magner. “There is a lot more that the Government can do to assist businesses in labour intensive industries such as our own. The strong focus on tourism within the Programme for Government is of course very welcome and a vital first step to putting Irish tourism and hospitality on a firmer footing.”
“Having recently met with Minister Peter Burke to discuss the priorities for the development of our sector, we are more optimistic about the immediate and longer-term prospects for our industry. In particular, we believe that the recent repositioning of tourism within the reconfigured Department of Enterprise will facilitate a more joined-up and coherent approach to best support businesses within our sector. It will also help ensure a greater focus on creating the optimum conditions for business viability with our wider tourism industry – a vital part of the economy supporting some 270,000 livelihoods.”
*Survey was conducted during February 2025 with results based on responses from 195 hotels and guesthouses across the country.
Hotel Occupancy rates for 2024 v 2023:
- National: 74% (down 2%)
- Border region: 70% (down 2%)
- Dublin (City & County): 81% (no change)
- Mid-West: 75% (down 2%)
- Midlands / Mid East: 71% (unchanged)
- South East: 72% (down 2%)
- South West: 71% (down 3%)
- West: 75% (down 1%)
Regions:
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11 Enforcement Orders Served on Food Businesses in January
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) today reported that 11 Enforcement Orders were served on food businesses during the month of January for breaches of food safety legislation, pursuant to the FSAI Act, 1998 and the European Union (Official Controls in Relation to Food Legislation) Regulations, 2020. The Enforcement Orders were issued by Environmental Health Officers in the Health Service Executive (HSE).
Five Closure Orders were served under the FSAI Act, 1998 on:
· Balam Limited (Foods of Non-Animal Origin Processing), 114 Boyne Road, Dublin Industrial Estate, Glasnevin, Dublin 11
· Lismore Golf Club (Restaurant/Café), Ballyin Lower, Lismore, Waterford
· The Turk Grill (Take Away), 23 Grattan Street, Sligo
· Ella’s Heaven Café and Bakery, 95A Talbot Street, Dublin 1
· Miner’s Rest Public House (Closed Area: The external drinks storage room), Ballingary, Tipperary
Three Closure Orders were served under the European Union (Official Controls in Relation to Food Legislation) Regulations, 2020 on:
· Xpress Pantry (Closed activities: Part of the activities of the business, its establishments, holdings, or other premises be ceased – The manufacture and wholesale of foods of animal origin and subsequently being placed on the market), Unit 9, Dunshaughlin Business Park, Dunshaughlin, Meath
· Indian Tiffins (Restaurant/Café), 143 Parnell Street, Dublin 1
· Bewley’s Café (Closed activity: Part of the activities of its establishment be ceased, specifically the use of the vacuum packing machine), 78/79 Grafton Street, Dublin 2
Three Prohibition Orders were served under the FSAI Act 1998 on:
· Miner’s Rest Public House, Ballingarry, Tipperary
· La Citadel (Retailer), Unit 4, Glebeview House, River Mall, Swords, Co. Dublin
· M Tee Ventures (Retailer), Unit 1, Glebeview House, River Mall, Main Street, Swords, Co. Dublin
Some of the reasons for the Enforcement Orders in January include: active cockroach infestation; rodent activity and rodent droppings; raw fish vacuum packed in the same machine where ready-to-eat foods were vacuum packed with no documented cleaning and disinfection procedure or cleaning schedule in place for the vacuum packer; damp and mould growth; personal items such as shoes, a gazebo and scooter in a food production area; complete lack of cleaning; all surfaces stained and dirty with waste food debris and a build-up of dust; no evidence of a food safety management system in place; a business that had not been approved by a competent authority for the operations taking place; unlabelled food items with no traceability information provided.
Dr Pamela Byrne, Chief Executive, FSAI, reiterated that the legal onus is on food businesses to ensure they fully comply with food safety legislation at all times.
“Food businesses have a fundamental legal responsibility to ensure the food they produce is safe to eat. The Enforcement Orders served in January highlight unacceptable breaches of food safety legislation, including inadequate pest control, poor hygiene standards, and a lack of proper food traceability. These non-compliances pose a serious risk
to consumer health and also undermine confidence in the food industry. It is essential that all food businesses implement and maintain a robust food safety management system to prevent such violations. The law is clear, food safety is not optional, and food businesses that fail to comply will face enforcement action.”
Also, during the month of December 2024, one prosecution was taken by the Health Service Executive in relation to:
· Vicos Grill (Take Away), 1 Ludlow Street, Navan, Meath.
Solgar Team Up with GAA/GPA and the GAA Museum in New Three-year Partnership
Solgar, a leading provider of high-quality nutritional supplements, are pleased to announce an exciting new three-year partnership with the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) and the Gaelic Players Association (GPA), the representative body for inter-county Gaelic Games players, becoming the official vitamin partner of the GAA/GPA.
Nestlé Health Science’s global-leading Solgar brand announced Galway’s Paul Conroy, Limerick’s Tom Morrissey, Down native and Galway Camogie player Niamh Mallon and Cork ladies footballer Katie Quirke as brand ambassadors at today’s launch.
Solgar will also become one of the title sponsors of the GAA Museum, home to the rich sporting, social and cultural history of Gaelic Games and among the top ten per cent of the most popular visitor attractions globally*. On average over 120,000 people visit the sporting museum annually, immersing themselves in the rich history of Ireland’s national games and the contribution of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) to its social and cultural life.
With over 75 years’ experience within the industry, a proud and rich history and heritage and a commitment to excellence and quality, the partnership with the GAA/GPA and GAA Museum represents a natural alignment for Solgar.
Gordon Yule, Business Executive Officer, Nestlé Health Science UK & Ireland
“We are delighted to have the opportunity to partner with the GAA/GPA, which represents the gold standard of Gaelic Games players across Ireland and to work with the GAA Museum, an organisation with an amazing history, tradition, culture and commitment to excellence. The three-year partnership is an exciting opportunity for Solgar, and we look forward to collaborating further with the GAA/GPA and GAA Museum.”
GPA CEO Tom Parsons said,
“We are delighted to welcome Solgar on board as the official vitamin partner to inter-county players across Ireland as part of our ongoing commercial partnership with the GAA. Solgar is focused on quality and ensuring people can be at their very best and that directly mirrors the work we carry out on behalf of our 4,000 members as we seek to create an environment that enables them to excel as high-performing athletes on the pitch and in their lives off the pitch. Partnering with Solgar represents a natural progression and we look forward to building on today’s announcement.”
GAA Commercial Director Peter McKenna said,
“We are delighted to join forces with Solgar, a brand globally recognised for its commitment to excellence and quality. The partnership represents a superb opportunity to share the powerful and compelling story of the history and heritage of our national games, and the exploits of our wonderful players, past and present, with even greater audiences.”
GAA Museum Director Niamh McCoy said,
“The GAA Museum occupies a hugely significant place in Irish sporting and cultural life, documenting the incredible history behind our national games and immense contribution of the Gaelic Athletic Association to Ireland’s social and cultural development. As an organisation with such an immense history, we are particularly pleased to partner with Solgar, one which brings a proud tradition and pedigree to the table. Today’s announcement marks another exciting chapter in the history of the GAA Museum, and we look forward to building and strengthening the partnership with Solgar and providing an even greater experience to the many visitors who will come through our doors.”