Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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275. To ask the Minister for Health the date his Department received the final report by a company (details supplied) into its independent external review of the HSE medicine reimbursement process; if he will provide an overview of the findings and recommendations of the report; when it is expected to be submitted to him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22867/20]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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In 2019, following a tender by the Office of Government Procurement, Mazars conducted a review of the governance structures around the HSE's drug reimbursement process. The report was submitted to my Department in January 2020.

The review made recommendations in respect of the HSE’s systems, structures, processes, governance arrangements and use of specialist resources in respect of the drug reimbursement process.

The report was under consideration by officials earlier this year, however the focus of the Department of Health changed to the immediate public health considerations of the COVID-19 pandemic and the preservation of life. This meant that this work stream was temporarily suspended to reallocate resources to support essential services.

My Department aims to complete its consideration of the report’s recommendations in the near future.

Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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276. To ask the Minister for Health the medicines submitted to HSE leadership or executive management team for reimbursement approval; the date of each meeting; the outcome of each meeting from 1 January 2019 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22868/20]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines under the community drug schemes, in accordance with the provisions of the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for reply to the Deputy.