asked the Minister for Health if he noted the action being taken by the British Minister for Health to ensure that excessive expenditure on drugs does not arise because of adherence by prescribers to costly branded drugs; and, if so, if he proposes to take similar action.
Written Answers. - Expenditure on Drugs.
226.
I am aware of the steps which the British authorities propose to take regarding the availability of drugs in the National Health Service. The most significant element in terms of cost reduction is the removal from free availability of items which do not require a doctor's prescription. This was done here in October 1982 in the general medical service. The proposal to require dispensing of only generic versions of certain categories of other drugs is similar to proposals made in the Report of the Working Party on the General Medical Service. I am examining this and other recommendations and negotiations will commence shortly with the medical profession arising from that report.