John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 57: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the reason consumers here are paying almost twice as much for over the counter medicines as persons in the UK; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10488/10]

Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 123: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the action she will take to reduce the cost of over the counter medicines; her plans to meet with the pharmaceutical industry regarding same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10435/10]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 57 and 123 together.

Where over-the-counter medicines are prescribed and supplied under the GMS and community drugs schemes, reimbursement prices are controlled by regulations and agreements between the HSE and pharmaceutical manufacturers. However, when over-the-counter products are supplied otherwise, pharmacists and other retail outlets set the price to the consumer. There is no regulation of the prices of over-the-counter products in Ireland.

Retail prices in Ireland may differ from those in the UK for a variety of reasons. These include changes in the exchange rate between Sterling and the Euro, differing VAT rates and market size.

In September 2009 the National Consumer Agency carried out a survey on the cost of personal care goods and over the counter medicines. The survey revealed significant price differences between retailers for these products. The National Consumer Agency has advised consumers to be conscious of the options available to them when purchasing over the counter medicines and to check where the best value can be found.