Feargal Quinn (Independent)

Democracy is a great thing. It is interesting to observe what is happening in France, where both a parliamentary election and a presidential election are taking place this year. The range of proposals, suggestions, comments and criticisms that are coming though are very interesting. Without wishing to encroach on the remit of my colleague, Senator Crown, I was fascinated by some of the proposals coming though in the area of health. One such is the question of generic drugs. It amazes me to see the difference between what we in this country pay for drugs compared with the prices in pharmacies in other countries. The introduction of generics offers an immense opportunity to secure a reduction in costs and prices.

Another issue being discussed in France is the cost of laboratory blood tests. There are demands for dramatic decreases in those costs and in the fees charged by X-ray centres. France is also attempting to introduce telemedicine. I do not know a great deal about this but there is great potential in a technology which would enable patients to obtain a doctor's advice in certain circumstances by way of the Internet. Another proposal is that local health authorities provide health information online. I hope Senator Crown will comment on these issues, particularly the question of reducing costs through greater use of generic medicines. We have been very lax in this regard and there are great benefits to be gained from enhanced competition in this area. Such initiatives have the potential to reduce costs and to lead to a better service.