Competition and Consumer Protection Commission

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 June 2017

Tuesday, 20 June 2017

Ceisteanna (1268)

James Lawless

Ceist:

1268. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the UK’s competition and markets authority decision to investigate the manufacturers of the medicine Remicade as a result of the latter’s alleged abuse of a dominant market position arising from its use of an anti-competitive discount scheme intended, it is alleged, to prevent the use of more affordable biosimilar medicines; if his attention has been further drawn to similar practices in the market in Ireland; his views on whether a similar investigation is required in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27675/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) is an independent statutory body with a dual mandate to enforce competition and consumer protection law in Ireland. If the Deputy or any other individual or business has evidence which suggests that anti-competitive behaviour is occurring in Ireland, I would strongly encourage them to take the matter up with the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission.

I am not aware of issues having been raised in Ireland in relation to the subject matter of the Deputy's question. However, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply regarding the position in the public health service.

As the Deputy may be aware, my Department is in the process of developing a National Biosimilar Medicines Policy, to promote the use of biosimilar medicines in Ireland. A key objective of this strategy is to encourage biosimilar manufacturers to enter the market in Ireland and to compete with manufactures of the biologic medicines.

Questions Nos. 1269 and 1270 answered with Question No. 1059.