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

I thank the guests for the presentations. In regard to Professor Dunne's presentation, one of the key issues is general practitioners and doctors. They have to be leaders in the field of prescribing generic medication, informing patients and changing the whole culture. It would appear from the presentation that approximately 15% of GPs have less confidence in generic medication. This is linked to a question I asked earlier. I understand there have been developments in recent years in that area but can something further be done to ensure the maximum level of prescribing generic medication and that all doctors prescribe the generic form, unless in some exceptional circumstances?

I wonder how Mr. O'Sullivan would react to a suggestion that something which looks too good to be true is too good to be true.

I am not making a judgment but I would like to hear his reaction to that question.

Is there limited availability of home delivery throughout the country? Is there a restriction on the number of deliveries per annum?

Is there a limit to the membership fee or does it increase every year? What is the set-up of the organisation? Is it targeted at a niche market in major urban centres? Is the service available throughout the country in practice?

The level of generic penetration has increased to 48% of the market, according to the most recent figures available. I am aware of this issue from my former life as a hospital manager.

I am not particularly familiar with biosimilars. Will Mr. O'Sullivan provide information on them?