Two new Framework Agreements with Medicines for Ireland (MFI) and the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association (IPHA) on the supply and pricing of medicines (FASPM) were signed in March 2026 following extensive engagement and negotiation with the pharmaceutical sector.
The Agreements will enable faster access to new innovative medicines for patients. They also reflect the Government’s commitment to ensuring security of supply for essential medicines, reducing the risk of medicine shortages for patients while safeguarding the sustainability of the health services.In line with the commitments arising out of the IPHA agreement, the HSE have advised that it is focusing on increasing the capacity of the HSE Drugs to enable them to review more applications. In 2026, the membership of the group will increase significantly and there will be the appointment of a deputy chair. By Q4 2026, the HSE aim to have the additional members and meetings in place.
The HSE have advised that the additional capacity will continue to be realised in 2027. Some of this capacity will be used to address and finalise any applications currently pending a notice of proposal. The HSE have already issued a number of notice of proposals in 2026 and continue to progress these.Minutes of Drugs Group meetings will continue to be published on the HSE website with commercial in confidence information redacted: healthservice.hse.ie/staff/information-healthcare-workers/pcrs/corporate-pharmaceutical-unit/.
