Séamus Healy (Tipperary South, Workers and Unemployed Action Group) | Oireachtas source

I thank the delegates for attending and their presentation. I have a few points on which I seek clarification. Can the international position be clarified? In other countries is there statutory prohibition or are there guidelines in place? What is the breakdown in various countries, particularly those in western Europe? Will the delegates clarify the range of risks involved? Are there figures available? However, there may be none.

The HSE and the Department of Health have recommended in reports the course of action being recommended by the delegates. Have the delegates any idea why the recommendations are not included in the legislation?

Mr. Glynn stated patients might receive a generic medicine with, effectively, 25% more active ingredient than the branded medicine on one occasion and one with 20% less active ingredient on the next. Is that the case? Is this the position right across the range of generic drugs or is it just in the case of those mentioned?

Mr. Glynn has mentioned four important points that need to be made. The second suggests the delegates are in favour of the use of generic AEDs when they are prescribed for new patients by an epilepsy specialist and on the condition that there will be an adequate supply of the required generic drug available in the longer term. Can this be clarified? Is there no difficulty if the patient starts on the generic drug?