317. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the specific steps his Department is taking to address the distinct competitiveness risks posed by global shifts such as the US Most-Favoured-Nation (MFN) pharmaceutical pricing models and international trade tariffs; the way in which these global pricing and tariff threats are being directly integrated into the final drafting of Ireland's upcoming National Life Sciences Strategy; the status of any inter-departmental or sectoral taskforces intended to evaluate these global market shocks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51639/26]

The Government recognises that global developments, including proposals relating to US Most-Favoured-Nation (MFN) pharmaceutical pricing models, international tariff measures and wider trade policy uncertainty, present potential competitiveness challenges for Ireland’s life sciences sector and the broader economy.

MFN pricing proposals or tariffs are being actively considered through ongoing cross-Government engagement via the National Life Sciences Strategy Steering & Working Groups and the Government’s wider competitiveness agenda. My Department is working closely with relevant Departments including the Departments of Health and Foreign Affairs & Trade, along with IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland, to monitor international developments and assess their potential implications for investment, exports, supply chains, innovation and employment in Ireland’s life sciences ecosystem. These considerations are informing the development of Ireland’s first National Life Sciences Strategy.

Stakeholder engagement undertaken as part of the Strategy’s development has noted issues relating to international pricing pressures, market access, supply-chain resilience and global competitiveness and this is being considered in the development of the Strategy. Indeed, the proactive cooperation among Departments and stakeholders is creating a culture of cooperation across stakeholders leading to tangible results. An example of recent developments is the Department of Health's conclusion of new Framework Agreements on the Supply and Pricing of Medicines with the pharmaceutical industry for the period 2026 to 2030. These agreements recognise the importance of investment by industry and also provide certainty and stability in the medicines reimbursement market while supporting continued patient access to innovative medicines and the long-term sustainability of public expenditure on medicines.

More broadly, the Government’s Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity provides a whole-of-government framework for responding to emerging international economic challenges. The Plan includes measures to strengthen Ireland’s competitiveness through investment in research and innovation, skills, infrastructure, trade diversification, supply-chain resilience and support for foreign direct investment.

Ireland's focus on competitiveness, coupled with the development of our national strategy will influence, and be influenced by, EU developments. Indeed, more broadly, the Government’s response to these challenges is grounded in a continued focus on strengthening Europe’s long-term competitiveness. Ireland has consistently supported a stronger EU emphasis on competitiveness, innovation and strategic resilience, reflecting the recommendations of the Draghi Report and wider European policy developments. Through its engagement at EU level, including our Presidency of the Council of the European Union, Ireland is advocating for progress on key legislative and policy initiatives that support research, innovation, advanced manufacturing, regulatory efficiency and investment in the life sciences sector. The Government recognises that many of the opportunities and challenges facing the sector are European and global in nature, and that a strong, innovation-focused EU policy framework will be central to sustaining the competitiveness and growth of Ireland’s life sciences ecosystem.