asked the Minister for Health if he has noted the report in the media (details supplied) regarding drug prices in a number of EC member states and the action he proposes to take to ensure that drug prices are substantially reduced.
Written Answers. - EC Drug Prices.
121.
I am aware of the article referred to, and of the report prepared by the European Organisation of Consumers' Associations on which it was based. That report showed that, for a representative range of drugs, Ireland and Great Britain occupied a medium position between low and very high cost European countries. Over 80 per cent of drugs consumed in Ireland are imported from Britain and price control arrangements here are based on the corresponding British domestic prices. In fact, the report showed that for a selection of commonly used drugs the Irish prices were significantly lower than in Britain. However, as the report points out, care must be taken in interpreting comparative prices because of differences in the volume and pattern of drug consumption in different countries.
While the report forecasts a narrowing of price differences within Europe as drug markets are progressively harmonised, in the short term it envisages scope for cost reductions through Government control of manufacturer's prices and through promotion of generic drugs. Both of these strategies are being pursued by my Department at present in the course of negotiations with the relevant interests.