11/12/2012

FF Says Latest Revelations About Health Minister Are Disingenuous

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Health, Billy Kelleher TD, says the latest revelations about Health Minister James Reilly prove just how disingenuous he was regarding the cost of drugs for the state.

A report in the Irish Times today reveals that a spokesperson for the Minister for Health says that Dr Reilly had never claimed that the agreement with the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association (IPHA) on drug prices would produce €400 million of savings.

"This is simply not the case," said Deputy Kelleher. "Maybe it's time for the spokesperson to read the statement issued by the Department of Health in Minister Reilly’s name.

"The headline on the statement, which was issued on October 15th, announced 'New drug deal worth €400 million over three years says Minister Reilly'.

"This was reiterated last week in Minister Reilly’s Budget statement which stated 'Dr Reilly welcomed the new agreement with the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association (IPHA) which will provide savings in excess of €400m over the next three years'.

"It is utterly disingenuous for the Minister to claim anything otherwise. It's yet more shameless posturing from a completely discredited Minister."

(CD/GK)

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