Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 240: To ask the Minister for Health if he is engaged in negotiations to reduce the cost of medications here; his views that such a measure will produce savings for the taxpayer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2865/12]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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The Department of Health and the Health Service Executive have taken a number of steps in recent years to reduce the State's medicines bill. Measures have included multi-million euro price reductions and substantial reductions in pharmacists fees and other supply chain costs. The current pricing mechanism agreement between the HSE and Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association expires on 1st March 2012. Officials from the HSE and the Department are engaged in meetings with IPHA with a view to agreeing a further agreement.