Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Health if the extent to which generic prescribing will lead to cost reductions throughout the health services in a single year and or for the remainder of the current year; the procurement policies within the health services that are structured in a manner to maintain best practice in respect of patients needs while at the same time availing of competitively priced prescriptions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40922/12]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Bill 2012 was published on the 13th of July 2012. is legislation will introduce a system of reference pricing and generic substitution for prescribed drugs and medicines. 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. The Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Bill, 2012 is a Government priority for this Oireachtas session. e Bill completed its passage through the Seanad on Wednesday, the 19th of September, and will now go to the Dáil. It is not possible, at this juncture, to provide accurate figures regarding potential savings resulting from generic substitution, as these depend on various factors. Section 24(3)(a) of the Bill provides that when the HSE sets a reference price, or reviews a reference price for a group of interchangeable medicinal products, it has to take into account the ability of suppliers to meet patient demand. Therefore, reference prices will be set at levels which will facilitate rather than jeopardise supply.