Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 July 2022
69. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has engaged with the Department of Health in relation to formulating a position on the European Union Pharmaceutical Strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38308/22]
View answerIn 2020, in response to public consultations run by the European Commission, my Department prepared input from an enterprise perspective on the Pharmaceutical Strategy for Europe Roadmap. Officials from my Department engaged with the Department of Health to share views and information.
The Pharmaceutical Strategy for Europe was published in November 2020. It aims to ensure access to affordable therapies for patients, deal with unmet medical needs, support competitiveness, innovation and sustainability of the EU’s pharmaceutical industry and the development of high quality, safe, effective and greener medicines. It is also looking at enhanced crisis preparedness and response mechanisms, diversified and secure supply chains, and reducing medicines shortages.
Earlier this year, as the EU Pharmaceutical Strategy progressed through to the implementation phase, officials in the Department of Health established an informal interdepartmental stakeholder group to ensure a coherent approach is taken to the Strategy, and in order to optimise any actions and responses from Ireland’s perspective. These meetings are attended by officials from my Department.
