Dr. Colm Henry:

The NCPE, which has been referenced, assesses for cost and effectiveness. It is under the Health Act, which means we are obliged to look not just at the drug and its effectiveness but the impact on the overall HSE budget. From time to time we ask, as Senator Costello has mentioned, for a HTA. This is where we look at a drug of considerably cost and the evidence does not always appear to match the cost. The HTA processes have stood to benefit the health system in the past few years. The gap between the asking prices of drug companies and what we have paid was €1 billion over a five-year period. While these processes can frustrate at individual level, they mean we have more money to spend on other new drugs and other healthcare services. We will make an inquiry about it and find out where the drug is.