Medicinal Products

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2020

Tuesday, 23 June 2020

Ceisteanna (456)

Anne Rabbitte

Ceist:

456. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health the preparations undertaken to prepare for a new national pricing and supply of medicines agreement in view of the fact that the current agreement expires in July 2020; the estimated savings that will be generated from the new agreement; the engagement he has had in the past 12 months with industry and other stakeholders on the matter; when negotiations will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12045/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

The four-year Framework Agreement on the Supply and Pricing of Medicines commenced on 1 August 2016 and, under the terms of the agreement, shall continue in force until 31 July 2020, unless continued by mutual agreement of the parties.

The Agreement also provides that negotiations on any successor or replacement agreement should begin at least six months before the expiry of the term.

My Department, the HSE and the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association are in contact with each other, in the context of these specific provisions of the current Agreement and with a view to progressing the process of discussions on a successor agreement. My officials shall consider all relevant stakeholders as part of the preparatory work of a successor agreement.