Michael Kitt (Fianna Fail)

I thank the Cathaoirleach for allowing me to raise this matter and the Minister of State, Deputy Batt O'Keeffe, for coming before the House. I wish to raise the issue of better awareness, use and sale of generic drugs, as it is a particular cause of frustration among many people, including many of my constituents.

The Minister of State would agree it is ludicrous that drugs on sale in the North or mainland Europe can be much cheaper than the equivalent on sale here. Many people, including many of my constituents, rely on such drugs but they are paying more than their counterparts in other European countries. That can be very frustrating. For example, medication for treatment of cholesterol and blood pressure conditions can be 50% more expensive in Ireland than other countries. The most expensive drug of all seems to be that which treats prostate cancer, which can be up to 100% more expensive here.

The issue was very much in the media during the summer, particularly on "Liveline", where people spoke of going on holidays to places such as France, Spain and Italy and telling stories on their return of how they could get such drugs much cheaper abroad. Many brought home medication as well as cigarettes and duty free.

Both patients and the Government would benefit if there was a reduction in the price of these drugs. The patient would have a smaller health-care bill, and the Government would have to pay less in the drugs repayment scheme. I hope the Minister will consider the issue, which does not concern substitute or inferior drugs. There is room to campaign for generic and less expensive medication in this country.