Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Question 258: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the role the Health Information and Quality Authority has in advising on the cost effectiveness of pharmaceutical and other therapies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3254/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The functions of the Health Information and Quality Authority, which are set down in Section 8 of the Health Act 2007, include the evaluation of the clinical and cost effectiveness of health technologies including drugs and the provision of advice on these matters to the Minister and to the Health Service Executive. This function will reside within the Health Technology Assessment area of the Authority's structure which is currently being developed.

The details of how these functions will be carried out will be determined in the context the Authority's Corporate Plan, which is currently being finalised, and annual Business Plan which will follow shortly. It is anticipated that some of work in this area will be outsourced and that, where appropriate, the work will draw on international experience.