Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 April 2026
144. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the steps taken to date to meet the Programme for Government commitment that an early access scheme for drugs will be implemented by this Government; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28273/26]
View answerI thank the Deputy for his question on this matter.
The State has successfully negotiated new Framework Agreements on the Supply and Pricing of Medicines with Medicines for Ireland (MFI) and the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association (IPHA). These Agreements include commitments that will enable faster medicines access for patients in Ireland. These agreements include commitments to reaching pricing and reimbursement decisions within 180 days, excluding stop-clocks.
As part of the Agreement talks, the State and the pharmaceutical sector have agreed to establish a strategic partnership on the development of a sandboxed early access programme for rare diseases.
This will be a proof of concept initiative, aligned with the commitments in the Programme for Government. The mechanisms involved are complex, and the potential impacts must be carefully considered to ensure any future system is fair, effective, and sustainable.
My officials in the Department are examining reimbursement systems in use across the European Union.
The Programme for Government (Securing Ireland's Future) contains a suite of measures on medicines which my officials will seek to progress over the lifetime of this government.
This demonstrates the Government’s commitment to enhancing access to medicines for patients across Ireland.
