Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

This is not a question of representation but of price fixing and setting prices and margins, and European law is very clear on this issue. It has wide implications for staff other than health service personnel, including self-employed veterinarians and, perhaps, some members of the legal profession. That is why so much advice is required.

This matter was brought to the attention of the HSE, which entered into negotiations in good faith, by the wholesalers. It was the legal advice of the latter that brought the matter to everybody's attention and it was examined by lawyers of the HSE and the Office of the Attorney General. We are not trying to achieve a reduction in what we pay for medicines since the price will continue to rise, given Irish demographics and new innovations; rather, we are trying to slow down the pace at which the price is rising.

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