Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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Question 202: To ask the Minister for Health his views on using more generic medicines as a way of reducing the overall cost of medicines to the tax payer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24511/12]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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The Government recognises the potential savings, for the taxpayer, which could be made from the use of generic drugs instead of proprietary drugs.

The Programme for Government states that "reference pricing and greater use of generics will be introduced to reduce the State's large drug bill and the cost to individuals of their medicines." The draft Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Bill 2012 is on the list of Bills to be published in this session of Dail Eireann. This legislation will introduce a system of reference pricing and generic substitution for drugs prescribed under the GMS and community drug schemes. These reforms will promote price competition among suppliers and ensure that lower prices are paid for these medicines resulting in savings for taxpayers and patients.