Mr. Philip Watt:

The EMA makes the decision and it goes to individual countries. The Deputy is right. There is considerable inefficiency in that process. It is about whether the Government is willing to put its trust in the EMA. The question is whether it becomes a economic burden the Government is unwilling to shoulder. It makes so much more sense. The EMA makes the decision on a drug and all European countries can negotiate at once with the drug companies so they have far better leverage when it comes to getting a better price. I do not think the HSE is ready for that but it is a principle worth working towards.