Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 July 2015
247. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health to set out details of the yearly spend on medications by the State in hospitals, in pharmacy settings, on branded and non-branded medications and on out-of-pocket spending in the past four years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29555/15]
View answerIt is not possible to provide data on out of pocket spending on medications as neither the Department or the Health Service Executive (HSE) collects data on the level of private spending that is incurred by individuals purchasing medications.
With regard to the other data requested, under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for the administration of the primary care schemes; therefore the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to you. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.
