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Dáil
‹ An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business

Biosimilar drug savings

Summary

Deputy Brassil argued that the HSE could save about €100 million a year by using biosimilar drugs instead of biologicals. The Tánaiste said he could not verify the figures but would ask the Health Minister's office to contact the Deputy.

I have been raising the issue of biosimilar drugs, and the potential savings associated with them, since I was elected to this House in 2016. Last week, I tabled a parliamentary question to look for figures for the past three years. According to an article by Evelyn Ring in this morning's Irish Examiner, over €1.2 billion has been spent on biological drugs in the last three years. In the same period, just €2.2 million has been spent on biosimilar drugs. I have pointed out time and again that an annual saving of €100 million is available to the HSE if it uses biosimilar products. That €100 million could be spent on drugs like Spinraza, which is used to treat spinal muscular atrophy. Alternatively, it could be spent on the autism services that I am continually following up with the Minister of State, Deputy Finian McGrath. Nobody is taking up this possible saving. What do we have to do to get efficiency in the HSE? It is scandalous that this money is being left behind year after year.

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Simon Coveney The Tánaiste Fine Gael

I hear what the Deputy is saying, but I have no way of verifying it.

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I can give the Tánaiste a 100% guarantee that it is true.

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Simon Coveney The Tánaiste Fine Gael

It is a serious claim. I will ask someone from the office of the Minister, Deputy Harris, to contact the Deputy directly on this matter.

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