Dáil Éireann - Volume 193 - 22 February, 1962

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price of Drugs.

Mr. Corish Mr. Corish

43. Mr. Corish asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will consider instituting an enquiry into the price of drugs.

Mr. J. Lynch Mr. J. Lynch

Mr. J. Lynch: The Deputy will be aware from my replies to previous questions on this subject that I am keeping the prices of drugs under watch. I believe that my representations to the trade have been effective in creating virtual parity of drug prices as between this country and Britain. In the circumstances, I do not consider an enquiry necessary.

Dr. Browne Dr. Browne

Dr. Browne: Was there not a differential?

Mr. J. Lynch Mr. J. Lynch

Mr. J. Lynch: I explained fully at the time that there was a parity, even before this question was originally raised, as to all basic drugs and 90 per cent. of proprietary drugs. Disparity arose only in ten per cent. of proprietary preparations.

Mr. Sweetman Mr. Sweetman

Mr. Sweetman: Was that in price?

Mr. J. Lynch Mr. J. Lynch

Mr. J. Lynch: Yes.

Mr. Sweetman Mr. Sweetman

Mr. Sweetman: Is there any standard set by the Bureau of Standards in relation to them?

Mr. J. Lynch Mr. J. Lynch

649

Mr. J. Lynch: We follow the standards laid down by the British [649] Pharmacopoeia. There is no organisation capable of examining them here.

Mr. Sweetman Mr. Sweetman

Mr. Sweetman: The Bureau is not equipped?

Mr. J. Lynch Mr. J. Lynch

Mr. J. Lynch: No, not to do this job in general.

Dáil Éireann 193 Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. Price of Drugs.

Questions

19620222