Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Medicines play a vital role in improving the overall health of Irish patients. Securing access to new and innovative medicines in a timely manner is a key objective of the Government of Ireland. However, the challenge is delivering on this objective in an affordable and sustainable way. 

The Department and the HSE are engaging in a number of initiatives which will endeavour to lead to better access to medicines for patients, value for the taxpayer and the cost- effective provision of medicines in Ireland. To address some of these issues, the Government is developing a National Biosimilar Medicines Policy to promote the rational use of biosimilar medicines and to create a sustainable environment for biological medicines in Ireland.

A public consultation on a National Biosimilar Medicines Policy was undertaken by the Department of Health towards the end of last year. The responses to the consultation and other possible policy levers are being considered by the Department with a view to developing a National Biosimilar Medicines Policy.

The development of such a policy will require the involvement of stakeholders across the health system and this process is under way.