asked the Minister for Health in view of the fact that the implementation of a policy specifying the use of Irish manufactured generic pharmaceuticals in the GMS, could produce considerable cost savings in the GMS if he will give adequate explanation as to why such a policy is not implemented forthwith.
Written Answers. - GMS Policy.
334.
Such a policy would be precluded by our membership of the EEC. It would also deny the scheme the advantage of even lower priced generic products which are at present available.
I would hope, however, that doctors in the GMS would prescribe generically to an even greater extent than at present and that they would prescribe the high quality Irish-made products which are available. Their attention is drawn, from time to time, to the comparative costs of drugs in particular groups so that they can take account of the cost factor in making decisions on prescribing.