Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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233. To ask the Minister for Health the reason there was an issue in the payment to pharmacies by the drugs payment scheme for Nadolol for a number of months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45346/13]

Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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234. To ask the Minister for Health if there is a problem with the supply of the drug Nadolol here; and, if so, the measures the Health Service Executive is taking to prevent a future supply problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45347/13]

Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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235. To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide a guarantee to the sufferers of Long QT syndrome who depend on Nadolol that no further issues will arise for them in securing the drug under the drugs payment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45348/13]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 233 to 235, inclusive, together.

Nadolol was being reimbursed by the HSE at a price of €79.45. The supplier informed the HSE some months ago that it could not continue to supply at that price. The HSE is aware that the price currently offered to community pharmacies is in the region of €259. Where there is a sudden increase in price sought under the Drug Payment Scheme, there is an onus on the HSE to establish the reasonableness and accuracy of the claim. While this may result in a delay, the HSE makes every effort to expedite the process.

It is not possible to guarantee that there will no supply issues in relation to any individual drug; however the HSE strives to ensure continuity of supply.