James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)

I have just signalled very clearly that in the future I hope to be able to introduce the repeal of these charges as the economy improves and we make savings in health as we have done to date. Last year, through the new clinical programmes and the special delivery unit in conjunction with front-line services, we saved 70,000 bed days at a value of €63 million to the State. That money has been reinvested in health to ensure more patients can be treated more quickly. Similarly, in a pilot money-follows-the-patient scheme in orthopaedics, it was insisted patients be admitted on the day of the procedure rather than the night before, as long as there was no co-existing morbidity. We saved €6 million in this move. We hope to do much better this year.

The costs of drugs are a major issue, as was addressed by my colleague, Deputy Shortall, earlier. It remains a bone of contention between us and the pharmaceutical industry. Nonetheless, the industry has to come to the party. There is a limited pot. If we have to make room for new drugs, then older drugs have to fall in price to accommodate that. There must be some risk-sharing by the pharmaceutical industry and more involvement with patients and patient groups in this area. It has already been successfully done by the Irish Haemophilia Society, in conjunction with the Department, in acquiring blood products. Through the pressure it brought to bear considerable savings were ensured.

Drug reference pricing legislation is a key priority and it is out for consultation. It has elicited an alarmed response from the pharmaceutical industry. The industry must acknowledge, however, this country can ill afford, much less than many other countries, the high prices we are charged for drugs.

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