EPSCO Council of Ministers
Minister Marcella Corcoran Kennedy attended the EPSCO Council of Ministers meeting in Luxembourg. During a discussion on the pharmaceutical system in the EU and its member states, the Minister welcomed the focus on the issue of pharmaceutical pricing.
She said:
“I absolutely support greater voluntary bilateral and multilateral cooperation between member states as a way of achieving better value in this area, and I look forward to further discussion. Improving our information sharing can only result in better outcomes, both for Ireland and our fellow members”.
She welcomed the agreement on enhanced regulations for medical devices and in vitro diagnostic medical devices following four years of negotiations. In the wake of the PIP breast implant and hip implant scandals, these regulations will lead to enhanced protection of public health while also increasing support for new innovative technologies in this very important industrial sector. This agreement provides greater legal certainty for industry and better protection for European patients.
Food product improvement was also discussed at the meeting, and the Minister emphasised the importance of good nutrition and diet, from breastfeeding to healthy adult choices, as essential drivers of health promotion and wellbeing.