asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that patients who are suffering from angina, have prescribed for them by doctors in the Republic of Ireland a drug known as glyceryl trinitrate, manufactured by a company (details supplied); that the cost of these tablets in the Republic of Ireland is £10 per 100 whereas the same tablets can be purchased, without a prescription, in the United Kingdom for 80p per 100; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Cost of Tablets.
38.
Glyceryl trinitrate tablets are only available on the Irish market in branded form. No unbranded generic product has yet been placed on the market here. The reverse position obtains in the UK. The generic manufacturer referred to does not therefore supply the Irish market.
Brand name products generally bear a considerably higher unit cost than their generic counterparts. I should point out also that, while the agreement between the Department of Health and the FICI governs the trade prices of drugs and medicines on the Irish market, I have no function as regards the level of retail prices in high street pharmacy outlets.