Medical Products

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 September 2012

Thursday, 27 September 2012

Ceisteanna (13)

Pádraig MacLochlainn

Ceist:

13. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the higher price for generic medicines in this State compared to Northern Ireland and Britain; if his Department has undertaken or will undertake an investigation; if he will take action to ensure that the potential savings to the State and to patients from generic substitution is not negated by profiteering by the industry in this State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40991/12]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

The prices of medicines vary between countries for a number of reasons. These include different prices set by manufacturers, different wholesale and pharmacy mark-ups, different dispensing fees and different rates of VAT.

Negotiations are ongoing between officials of the Department/HSE and the two bodies that represent pharmaceutical manufacturers in Ireland regarding reductions in the price of medical products supplied under State Schemes. It is expected that these negotiations will conclude shortly and provide additional savings in the cost ofmedicines.In addition, the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Bill 2012will introduce a system of reference pricing and generic substitution for prescribed drugs and medicines. These reforms will promote price competition among suppliers and ensure that lower prices are paid for medicines resulting in savings for taxpayers and patients.

The Bill is a Government priority for this Oireachtas session.It completed its passage through the Seanad on Wednesday, the 19th of September, and will be discussed in the Dáil shortly.