Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 February 2019
145. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health his plans to ensure the security of fragile chemotherapy compounding at present and into the future, particularly in the context of the United Kingdom leaving the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10068/19]
View answerSystemic Anti-Cancer Therapy (SACT - Chemotherapy) is administered in 26 public hospitals. Of these, 17 have aseptic compounding units and are largely self-sufficient in regard to their SACT needs. The remaining 9 rely on outsourcing - purchasing compounded SACT from a licensed provider. While this need is partly met by an Irish-based supplier, approximately 15% of compounded SACT is sourced from the United Kingdom at present.
As part of the overall Government response to the planned exit of the United Kingdom from the European Union, my Department and the HSE are working on a comprehensive and coordinated set of actions to ensure, as far as is possible, continuity of supply of all medicines post-Brexit, with a clear focus on particularly important medicines such as compounded chemotherapy treatments.
