Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 June 2023
368. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health who is responsible for tracking availability of medicines, issuing warnings if there are shortages and monitoring supply of medicines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30384/23]
View answerThe medicines regulator in Ireland is the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA). The remit and regulatory functions of the HPRA include human and veterinary medicines, clinical trials, medical devices, controlled drugs, blood and blood components, tissues and cells, and cosmetic products.
The Department of maintains regular contact with the HPRA regarding medicines shortages. Ireland has a multi-stakeholder Medicine Shortage Framework in place which aims to prevent, where possible, and mitigate the impact of medicines shortages through close collaboration with the Department, the HSE, industry and healthcare professionals. The Framework is operated by the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) on behalf of the Department of Health.
Pharmaceutical companies and wholesalers must ensure an appropriate and continuous supply of the medicines they market. Companies should notify the HPRA of medicines shortages or potential shortages impacting the Irish market. Any healthcare professional or member of the public may also report a shortage to the HPRA.
The HPRA publishes a list of medicines currently in short supply on its website (Medicines Shortages (hpra.ie)) with the reason for the shortage and expected dates for the return of supply. The information is available to assist healthcare professionals in managing medicine shortages when they arise and reduce their impact on patients. The information relating to shortages on the HPRA website is dynamic and changes depending on the current information.
