Mr. Muiris O'Connor:

We very much support the Deputy's comments.

We feel that the European Union and Europe working together on these matters is important and there is a pharmaceutical regulation emphasising access to, and the availability and affordability of, medicines. It benefits us to operate as a proactive partner in that European approach, but the Deputy is correct in that we are an island beyond an island and may be at the end of some supply lines. Nevertheless, that absolutely does not undermine our entitlement to a fair share of what the EU proposes. We are wary of instincts towards stockpiling, which we think are a bit simplistic, and are nervous that large member states might be tempted to move in that direction because the European medicine supply lines are dynamic and need to flow to operate effectively. We will support wherever Europe lands in respect of buffering, but we will try to encourage a recognition of our interdependence within the global arena and the importance of the flow of medicines. We have arrangements nationally to monitor drugs going into a shortage of supply and this legislation will absolutely strengthen the information base we will have for that.

Mr. Warren might wish to come in on the shortages framework.