Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

There has been a range of issues with some medicines, particularly insulin. The Department of Health has been advised for example, of a shortage of the Fiasp 100 units/ml solution for injection in vial. That is related to diabetes and so on.

In terms of the broader picture, there are global supply chain issues. We have a fairly sophisticated system in Ireland. There have been some issues post Brexit in respect of medicine supplies. The Deputy can rest assured that the Government, the Health Products Regulatory Authority, HPRA, and others are doing everything they possibly can in respect of shortages. The HPRA maintains a list of current and resolved shortages on its website with the details, including the information people require. The medicine shortages framework operated by the HPRA on behalf of the Department of Health aims to prevent, where possible, and mitigate the impact of medicine shortages. The framework allows for a multi-stakeholder response to shortages co-ordinated by the HPRA in close co-operation with the Department, the HSE, the industry and patient representatives. Based on an analysis of data reported by the pharmaceutical industry over several years, the reasons for shortages vary but are primarily due to manufacturing issues. Shortages of medicines are also not unique to Ireland. There is no evidence that shortages disproportionately impact patients in Ireland compared to other countries. We will keep the matter under review.

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