Written answers

Tuesday, 29 June 2010

Department of Health and Children

Medicinal Products

10:00 am

Photo of Pat BreenPat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 250: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her plans to ensure security of supply of all medicines following her announcement that pharmacists will be permitted to substitute cheaper generic drugs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28069/10]

Photo of Mary HarneyMary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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The Government has decided to introduce a system of reference pricing combined with generic substitution of medicines. This will promote price competition and deliver ongoing savings for both the State and for patients.

I have recently published a report, prepared by a joint working group made up of officials and health care professionals from my Department and the HSE, which sets out a proposed model for the operation of generic substitution and reference pricing in Ireland. The report recommends that security of supply be taken into account when reference prices are set for medicines. I expect to see significant progress on the implementation of this initiative, including the identification of legislative and administrative changes required to give it effect in 2011.

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