The State has entered into Framework Agreements on the Supply and Pricing of Medicines with the pharmaceutical industry since the 1970s, bringing certainty and stability to the supply and pricing of medicines. Two new Framework Agreements in principle have been reached with the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association (IPHA) and Medicines for Ireland (MFI) on the pricing and supply of medicines. These landmark agreements reflect the Government’s commitment to ensuring timely access to innovative medicines for patients as well as supporting security of supply of medicines, reducing the risk of medicine shortages for patients while safeguarding the sustainability of the health service. The Agreements will run from 2026 to the end 2029. These Agreements in principle are with the industry bodies the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association (IPHA) and Medicines for Ireland (MFI), which represent a wide range of companies. They are not with individual companies. In relation to the procurement of medicines the Department of Health does not have a role in the procurement of any medicine under the EU Procurement Directive 2014/24/EU. The directive applies to the procurement of medicines using public funds. It outlines the rules for competitive tendering, transparency, and equal treatment of all suppliers. These guidelines must be followed when purchasing medicines for health systems in Europe.
