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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 14 Feb 1995

Vol. 449 No. 1

Written Answers. - Cost of Imported Medicines.

James Leonard

Question:

47 Mr. Leonard asked the Taoiseach the total cost of medicines imported for the last year for which figures are available; and the figure as a percentage of the total medicines used. [3224/95]

The value of imports recorded as medicines in 1993 was £194 million.

The estimated value at retail prices of medicines consumed in 1993 by persons in private households and health board hospitals was £370 million.

Because of valuation differences, the value of imports cannot be directly related to the value of medicines used, as the latter includes taxation, distribution and mark-up costs which arise after importation.

Note: Overall, approximately 10 per cent of trade is not classified by commodity.This unclassified trade includes intra-EU estimates for small traders and non-respondent traders, low value transactions and some parcel post and Shannon Free Airport trade.

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