Bernard Allen
Question:203 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will make a statement on the drop in profits experienced by the Irish Medicines Board as contained in its 1997 report. [18579/99]
Written Answers - Irish Medicines Board.
I am aware that there is a reduction in surplus of income over expenditure for the Irish Medicines Board in 1998. According to the board, the drop in income was due mainly to the fact that the 1997 income had been boosted by companies submitting national applications in advance of the deadline that required applicants to follow the European route, and a corresponding fall-off in applications was noted in 1998.
With the European Medicines Evaluation Agency in place, the Irish Medicines Board has experienced reduced numbers of national applications and an increase in the number of incoming mutual recognition applications, which carry a lower fee.
However, I am satisfied that the board is succeeding in maintaining its statutory obligation to be self-funding as required under the Irish Medicines Board Act of 1995. Obviously the matter will be monitored on an ongoing basis.