Written answers

Wednesday, 12 December 2012

Photo of Billy KelleherBilly Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Health if the proposed saving of €160 million in the cost of drugs and other prescribed items is a gross or a net figure; the estimate for the cost of new drugs being prescribed in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55699/12]

Photo of Alex WhiteAlex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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the HSE and the Department of Health, a major new deal on the cost of drugs in the State was concluded in October last. It will deliver a number of important benefits, including

- significant reductions for patients in the cost of drugs;

- a lowering of the drugs bill to the State;

- timely access for patients to new cutting-edge drugs for certain conditions; and

- reducing the cost base of the health system into the future.

The gross savings arising from this deal will be in excess of €400 million over three years. €210 million from the gross savings will make available new drugs to patients over three years. Thus, the deal will result in a net reduction in the HSE expenditure on drugs of about €190 million. The cost of new drugs in 2013 is estimated at €70 million.

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