Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate the Deputy's ongoing interest in this important matter. In most years, we allocate approximately €20 million or €30 million as part of a dedicated fund for new medicines. I am confident that we will be able to provide dedicated funding for new medicines in the service plan for 2024. The budget for medicines is €3.2 billion per year. Even savings of 1% would free up €32 million for new medicines. Listening to Professor Barry and others speaking about this matter in recent days, I believe they can be found. That is the work that now needs to be done in order that we can have a dedicated fund for new medicines, which we all agree we need.

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