Gino Kenny
Question:484. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health the funding that will be available for new drugs and clinical trials in 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44644/23]
View answerTuesday, 17 October 2023
Questions (484, 485, 545)
Gino Kenny
Question:485. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health to confirm if reports that no funding for new drugs and clinical trials will be available for 2024 are correct. [44645/23]
View answer
Seán Canney
Question:545. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Health if he will provide funding for new treatments and new drugs in order to give every patient the best possible outcome for their treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44901/23]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 484, 485 and 545 together.
A record almost €3 billion, nearly €1 in every 8 spent by the State on health, will be spent this year on medicines. This is an unprecedented level of investment in supporting patients through the availability of the latest and wide range of medicines.
It is important that medicines expenditure is sustainable for the State and that we strive to maximise the available investment. This will enable us to provide as many people as possible with access to the necessary medicines.
Over the last 3 years the State has invested €98 million in new medicines funding to provide 127 new medicines or extended uses for medicines.
Going into 2024, I will ensure that my Department, the HSE and all relevant agencies and stakeholders place a priority focus on achieving the most efficient and effective use of available resources. This will require opportunities for savings to be identified and implemented. While dedicated funding for new medicines has not been allocated in Budget 2024, this does not mean that no new medicines will be approved for reimbursement in 2024. Any savings generated from identified initiatives will be immediately reinvested into new medicines for 2024.
Question No. 485 answered with Question No. 484.
Question No. 486 answered with Question No. 483.