Crowne: Generic drugs won't put pharmaceutical companies off Ireland
Consultant oncologist and Senator John Crowne says pharmaceutical companies will not be put off coming to Ireland if we prescribe generic drugs.
The Government is attempting to bring down the cost of drugs in Ireland, with reports that the Taoiseach has been subjected to an intense lobbying campaign by the pharmaceutical industry over a HSE decision not to approve new drugs for payment.
In one letter, the President of Eli Lilly, John C Lechleiter, warned that further price cuts and a blanket ban on paying for new medicines could have unintended consequences for the economy.
Senator Crowne says drug companies choose to locate here for many reasons.
“I believe the decision where the factories go has everything to do with the 12.5% Corporation Tax, reasonable infrastructure in the EU, we speak English and are relatively educated.
“Whether we do supply generics or not does not. This is an argument that the industry has used and I wish the Taoiseach gave me a phone call. I would have advised him on this.”
