Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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951. To ask the Minister for Health the policy of his Department in respect of drugs policy in the event of a hard Brexit that full access will be maintained to medical supplies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36988/18]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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In co-ordination with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Department of Health and its agencies including the HSE and the HPRA are engaging in intensive Brexit preparedness and contingency planning in the area of health.

A number of issues are being examined and contingency planning for a range of eventualities is under way. One key issue will be to ensure that there is minimum disruption to health services and that essential services are maintained on a cross-Border, all-island and Ireland-UK basis.

Priorities include ensuring continuity in the supply of medicines/medical devices, ensuring access to services, manpower in our health services, recognition of qualifications, continuation of existing cross-Border health co-operation and public health arrangements.

This work is informing requirements and ensuring that we are prepared in all scenarios.