John Gilroy (Labour)

I suggest that if we agree to this proposal, we might build a cost into certain drugs and products, as providers will be conscious of the statutory obligation on the health service to provide these products. Therefore, the effect of this Bill could be exact opposite of its intent. When a new drug is introduced, its price generally falls when it is widely produced. If there is a statutory obligation on the State to provide these drugs, it might perversely incentivise drug companies to keep their costs high. That would be contrary to the intention behind this legislation. I would be open to accepting this well-intentioned and well-meaning Bill if it had not been drafted wrongly. Sections 3 and 5, at least, need to be redrafted because they are contradictory.