Prescriptions Data

Tuesday, 29 September 2015

Questions (465, 472)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

465. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the number of doctors currently prescribing Roaccutane; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33338/15]

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472. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if his Department will identify, by age, gender, year, and Health Products Regulatory Authority case identification number, the instances where Roaccutane was used for its original intended purpose; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33380/15]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 465 and 472 together.

Prescriptions do not state the indication for which the medicine in question is being prescribed.

Under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the Health Service Executive (HSE) has statutory responsibility for the administration of the GMS and Community Drugs Schemes. Only data on the number of prescriptions dispensed for Roaccutane under the GMS and Community Drugs Schemes can be provided by the HSE.

This 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.