Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 June 2026
1012. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether her Department, the HSE or any agency under their remit has estimated the annual cost of medicines wastage to the State in each year from 2020 to 2026; if so, the methodology used; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45890/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra1013. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether the nationwide unused medicines return and disposal service recently announced will include the collection and publication of data on the quantity, type and estimated value of medicines returned annually; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45891/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra1014. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether any value-for-money review, audit, assessment or research has been undertaken since 2020 regarding medicines wastage, over-prescribing, non-adherence to treatment, repeat prescribing or unused medicines; and if they will provide details of any such work. [45892/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra1016. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether any national targets, key performance indicators or reduction objectives have been established in relation to medicines wastage; if not, whether consideration is being given to introducing such targets; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45894/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1012, 1013, 1014 and 1016 together.
For the first time the national medicines disposal service under the 2025 Community Pharmacy Agreement will provide a structured, nationwide basis to track activity, volumes of medicines returned and the related costs over time.
This will be a tangible way to build a clear evidence base on the scale of unused and expired medicines and on the financial implications for the health service. Over time, the disposal service will provide evidence on the types and volumes of medicines being returned, which will inform better prescribing practice, dispensing practice and public awareness measures. It will also support a more targeted approach to reducing medicines waste, while also improving value for money, patient safety and environmental protection.
Improper disposal of unused or expired medicines leads to environmental and health risks including antimicrobial resistance and contamination of ecosystems. While a range of factors, including over-prescribing, non-adherence to treatment and repeat prescribing can influence the accumulation of unused medicines, medicines waste is a multifactorial challenge requiring a system-wide response involving prescribers, pharmacists, and patients.
Pharmacists are well-positioned to facilitate safe medicine returns due to their accessibility and expertise. Under the 2025 Community Pharmacy Agreement a yearly allocation of €4,500,000 is being made available to provide for the provision of a new national medicine disposal campaign. This service will be available at community pharmacies in the coming months and will provide a convenient and accessible system for the safe disposal of unused medication.
Under the Health Act 2004, the day-to-day operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health services is a matter for HSE. The parts of this query which relate to whether the HSE or any agency under their remit has estimated the annual cost of medicines wastage to the State (in each year from 2020 to 2026; and if so, the methodology used )have therefore been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
