Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I know. Of course there are consequences, but we trust the people to whom we allow discretion and reasoned opinion. Such legislation is currently before the health committee and discretion will be given to medical professionals in determining the outcomes for patients on a continual basis. I do not accept the argument regarding discretion where there is a reasoned opinion of a prescriber. They are entitled to that much independence anyway. All this amendment suggests is that there should be mandatory generic prescribing using INNs and that if this is not done a reason should be provided - for example, if the prescriber, on the basis of his reasoned opinion, provided the branded product because he deemed it was best for the health, safety and welfare of the patient, nothing more or less.

This amendment relates to the core principle of the Bill. We have talked around the edges of what the Bill is trying to achieve, but that is what is in my amendment. The same point was made by Deputy Ó Caoláin in the context of his amendment. I cannot understand why the Minister does not embrace this and thank us for supporting his legislation and attempting to make it more definitive in its outcomes by obliging prescribers and dispensers, where possible, to substitute and prescribe generic products. That is the essence of the Bill.

The Minister of State mentioned the review of INN prescribing and that primary legislation might be needed. He has the opportunity to get ahead of himself by accepting this amendment.

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