Michael Harty (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Deputy Louise O'Reilly also has a question. Before the witnesses respond, I would like to ask a question.

Membership of the EU must yield substantial benefits. Is it possible to harmonise the assessment process and, consequently, the pricing situation across Europe? Harmonisation would strengthen negotiations on pricing with a company. Surely that is one of the benefits to be gained from our membership of the EU.

There is great dissatisfaction with the process from the point of view of patients, companies and politicians. Deputy O'Connell has asked what we, as legislators, can do to improve the process. Does the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013 inhibit our ability to change the way we consider orphan drugs? Is that the pressure point that we, as legislators, should consider? I ask both Mr. Hennessy and Professor Barry to address my questions.