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Brexit Issues

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 January 2019

Tuesday, 22 January 2019

Ceisteanna (406, 407)

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

406. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to address fears of shortages arising for key heart, cancer and other medicines following alleged stockpiling of medicines in the UK in view of Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2620/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

407. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health the action he is taking to source alternative supplies of essential medicines produced in or supplied from the UK in view of reports of stockpiling of medicines in the UK in view of Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2621/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 406 and 407 together.

As part of the whole of Government response to Brexit, my Department is working on a comprehensive and coordinated set of actions to ensure, as far as is possible, continuity of supply of medicines in a disorderly Brexit.

Significant work has already been undertaken by the Department, the HSE, and the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA), together with industry, to ensure that risks to the continuity of supply are mitigated to the greatest possible extent.

There are established multi-stakeholder procedures in place to anticipate and manage medicine shortages and these will be utilised should the need arise as a result of Brexit. In 2018, the HPRA developed and launched a multi-stakeholder Medicines Shortages Framework to mitigate the impact of medicine shortages when they occur, and this framework is used to successfully manage an average of 45 shortage notifications a month. The health system is therefore well placed to anticipate and respond to any additional shortages, should they arise because of Brexit.

There is no need for hospitals, pharmacists or patients to order extra quantities of medicines ahead of Brexit. To do so could, in itself, disrupt existing stock levels and hamper the supply of medicines for other patients.

Both the HPRA and HSE have requested that medicines manufacturers and suppliers highlight any issues regarding the availability of specific products associated with Brexit - to date no major issues have been identified through this process.

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