Trained members of the public are to be allowed give life-saving medicines in emergency situations.

Vital treatments like epipens, for allergic reactions, are to be kept on hand in places like schools and sports clubs.

The new rules signed by the Health Minister will also give pharmacists permission to administer vaccines against shingles and pneumonia - saving patients a trip to the doctor.

The Irish Independent says the mother of teenager Emma Sloane - who died from a peanut allergy on O'Connell St nearly two years ago - has welcomed the new legislation.