Medicines for Ireland responds to Taoiseach’s British-Irish Chamber event and comments on Brexit. Owen McKeon, Chair of Medicines for Ireland, following the Taoiseach’s speech at British-Irish Chamber event on 5 September:
“The Taoiseach’s speech at the British-Irish Chamber event last night, particularly his comments on the impact that border checks could have on the supply of medicines to Ireland, was a stark reminder of the realities of a no-deal Brexit.
“Medicines for Ireland and its fellow industry partners are engaging with the Department of Health and HSE in preparation for Brexit, and we are well placed to manage the challenge in the short-term. Building additional stock, supply chain and patient engagement all feature as part of our contingency plans.
“In tandem, the emphasis must now be on the types of medicines agreements, structures and practices we have as a country into the medium-term. Consideration needs to be given to fast tracking a new Medicines Pricing Agreement. The current agreement, which only covers the minority of medicines dispensed every day, is informed by the old rather than new realities.
“We look forward to continuing to work with Government and others to both prepare for the short-term, while pivoting for the next challenges that are fast approaching”.
