Mr. Peter Murphy:

We have sought the engagement of the Irish Medicines Board in recent months and over the past year in particular. However, it has been hesitant to engage until the Bill is passed. Our limited engagement really has not reassured us that it will be taking our considerations into account if and when it falls to the Irish Medicines Board to make decisions on the interchangeability of AEDs. Consequently, we currently have no idea as to how the Irish Medicines Board will treat AEDs. It may designate all, none or some of them as being interchangeable. I should state we have no reason to doubt that the Irish Medicines Board will do anything other than the best job, following the best international practice, if the time comes and if it is obliged to make decisions on AEDs.