Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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595. To ask the Minister for Health the way he will deliver the €10m savings in the high tech drugs bill as outlined in the Health Service Executive National Service Plan 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2440/13]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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649. To ask the Minister for Health his views on the annual State spend on high tech drugs in each of the years 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012; the medications involved; the savings he has negotiated and secured across each of the relevant expenditures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2969/13]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 595 and 649 together.

The HSE proposes to introduce a formal returns arrangement with suppliers of High Tech Medicines in cases where a community pharmacy no longer has a requirement for particular medicine previously delivered to that pharmacy location.  Such a returns arrangement will have to comply with relevant legislative and regulatory requirements. The HSE is also developing an electronic authorisation (e-authorisation) module in conjunction with prescribers in hospitals to improve the efficiency of the Scheme. Rheumatology is the initial clinical programme involved.

In relation to expenditure on High Tech Drugs, I wish to advise that this information is being collated by the HSE and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it is available.