Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Chair. In respect of evaluating the clinical and cost effectiveness of health technologies, including drugs, and providing advice arising from the evaluation for the Minister for Health, where does that leave the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics, the organisation that advises in this regard? Is there duplication? Is this complementary or is one subservient to the other? Alternatively, are both entities advising the Minister who will then make the final decision? Members have had this discussion previously about recommendations being made and the Minister acting on them, as opposed to the Minister having a position whereby he can decide-----