Mr. Colm Desmond:

-----for a considerable period of time. As for the specific recommendation of the Sláintecare report, that work has commenced, the independent group has been working at a significant pace since its establishment following the quite recent Sláintecare report and the work of that group continues on apace.

In relation to pharmaceuticals, there is in-built into the system pharmacoeconomic assessment of significant drug proposals and that takes place at the beginning of a stage where a drug is potentially likely to come onto the market. It is a complex area and is the subject of a separate medicines management programme. It is certainly well established at this stage, including the corresponding process of achieving savings through the engagement with the pharmaceutical sector, for example, at the same time, from the existing drugs budget. As I mentioned in my opening statement, there are continuous pressures in certain areas, such as high-tech and other drug requirements.