asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he has yet completed his enquiry into the prices of pharmaceutical products, and, if so, with what results.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Prices of Pharmaceutical Products.
31.
As stated in reply to a previous Question in Dáil Éireann, the information furnished to me by representatives of the trade tended to show that, with the exception of a limited number of preparations, prices here are approximately the same as those operating in the Six Counties and in Britain. The further investigation in this matter is now being directed towards finding the reasons for the price differential in the case of these exceptional items, which, I may add, are not manufactured here.
In view of the public disquiet on this whole question, would the Minister not consider establishing a prices commission so that this matter can be discussed in public and thus the public given an opportunity of knowing the elements which go to justify the present price levels for these products?
I think I mentioned in the House already that in regard to drugs and chemicals—these are basic drugs and chemicals—there is no real difference between the prices here and those in Britain. Any differences there are are very minimum. In some cases, they favour the Irish consumer. In regard to proprietary preparations, it has been discovered that there is no difference either except minimum ones in respect of 90 per cent. of them. The remaining 10 per cent. is now being investigated. If I find that a public inquiry is warranted, the review having been made, I would give the matter favourable consideration.
Would the Minister bear in mind in this matter that inquiries conducted by a Government Department with the interests concerned in the production and sale of these commodities is never as satisfactory as an inquiry to which the public have access? Such an inquiry of a public character would carry with it much more conviction that any assurance of Departmental investigations.
I agree it may not be as satisfactory but it will often be more effective.