Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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504. To ask the Minister for Health his views on whether a proposal by an organisation (details supplied) on equity-based tiered pricing would help to broaden access to new medicines for all Europe’s citizens; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38286/22]

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.

Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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506. To ask the Minister for Health if he intends to increase his Department’s representation in Brussels to ensure Ireland’s position is adequately represented in European Council negotiations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38288/22]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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My Department has significant engagement at EU level, which is supported and serviced by the Permanent Representation of Ireland to the European Union in Brussels. The resourcing of this work is kept under review to ensure Ireland’s health interests are adequately promoted and represented within the EU and its institutions. Accordingly, with the agreement of the Department of Foreign Affairs, the staffing complement seconded from the Department of Health to the Permanent Representation in Brussels has increased at times of particular demand, such as during Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union and also in response to increased workloads associated with the management of the COVID-19 pandemic. Undoubtedly the health area has assumed a greater profile internationally since the experience of COVID-19 and officials in my Department will, in consultation with the Department of Foreign Affairs as appropriate, give due consideration to any associated resourcing needs going forward.