Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will be very brief. The more I have listened during this meeting and at those we have had in recent weeks, the more I am uncertain about what is actually going to happen. I really believe that the Department, and I want this to be put on the record, is making a big mistake. There will be difficulties down the line.

I noted down a few of the answers some of the officials gave when they were questioned, particularly with regard to the Border. I am not satisfied that this issue can be dealt with properly. We are going to have a big problem whereby people will be cross the Border to get their medicine and the State will incur a loss as a result. We had this before with cigarettes and with many other products in this State, even with drink, up to a point, until drink became cheaper in the South than in the North. That is what is going to happen in this instance.

I want to ask the officials a question. The Department has long insisted that the way to dispense this medication is through a prescribing web, which it is actually developing. I am told that the design of the web is way behind already. The Department is talking about 28 January as the date on which it will launch this website and have it up and running.

Has the Department a contingency plan if this is not going to happen? I do not have an awful lot of confidence in some of the Departments when people cannot leave this country and thousands of people cannot get a passport. Now we have another Department taking on more responsibility and I am afraid that it will not be able to deliver. Can Mr. Collins update me on the website? Is the Department behind already? Will the Department be ready for 28 January and is there a contingency plan in place?