Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 30 Apr 1991

Vol. 407 No. 6

Written Answers. - Drug Statistics.

Jim Higgins

Question:

178 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Health (a) the proportion of drugs prescribed under the General Medical Service scheme which are manufactured in this country and (b) the percentage of drugs used under the General Medical Service scheme which are capable of being produced generically.

Minister for Health (Dr. O'Hanlon):

Data on the proportion of drugs prescribed under the general medical services scheme manufactured in this country is not available from the GMS (Payments) Board.

The precise data required by the Deputy in part (b) of his question is not available and would require that a separate study be undertaken which would involve the full participation of drug manufacturers.