Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Health if he will respond to the following query regarding the cost of Xalatan (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41454/12]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The prices of medicines vary between countries for a number of reasons. These include different prices set by manufacturers, different wholesale and pharmacy mark-ups, different dispensing fees and different rates of VAT.

Negotiations are ongoing between officials of the Department/HSE and the two bodies that represent pharmaceutical manufacturers in Ireland regarding reductions in the price of medical products supplied under State Schemes. It is expected that these negotiations will conclude shortly and provide additional savings in the cost of medicines. In addition, the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Bill 2012 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 medicines resulting in savings for taxpayers and patients.

The Bill is a Government priority for this Oireachtas session.It completed its passage through the Seanad on Wednesday, the 19th of September, and will be discussed in the Dáil shortly.