Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 27 Feb 2001

Vol. 531 No. 3

Written Answers. - Prescription Medicines.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

245 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason his Department has agreed to the repackaging of a medicine (details supplied) which has resulted in the price per unit rising by more than four times the price previously; and the benefits he believes are obtained from these arrangements. [5768/01]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin):

The price of drugs and medicines in Ireland has been subject to control since 1972 through the mechanism of formal multi-annual agreements with the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association – IPHA – formerly the Federation of Irish Chemical Industries – FICI. The maximum price to the wholesaler of any new item of medicine introduced to the market and covered by the agreement shall not, on the date of notification, exceed the currency adjusted UK wholesale price or the average of a basket of EU countries, whichever is the lower. Accordingly, Irish prices for the ingredient cost of prescription medicines are generally in line with prices in the UK. A price freeze is also in place in regard to the prices charged for existing products.

The manufacturers of the product referred to by the Deputy notified my Department of their intention to introduce a 28 pack size. Bulk packs of the product – 100 pack and 1,000 pack sizes – are no longer available on the Irish market. The product concerned is imported from the UK and the change in pack size is in line with the UK patient pack initiative and the pricing is in line with the currency converted UK price. In view of the demand for and importance of this product, my Department deemed it appropriate to accept the revised arrangements.