Guaranteed Irish to present paper outlining support needed for the pharmaceutical industry in Ireland
A submission paper will be presented to the government later this year outlining steps which need to be taken for Ireland to be at the forefront of its European peers in terms of early access to new medicines.
Guaranteed Irish has announced that ‘Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Month’ will take place in October, highlighting the pivotal role that this sector plays in Ireland’s economy.
Guaranteed Irish is a business membership organisation with over 300 members nationwide, including leading pharmaceutical and healthcare organisations such as: MSD, AbbVie, BD, Hollister, Ipsen, Forest Tosara (Teva Pharmaceuticals), PPL Biomechanics, KCI Medical Ireland, Nutricia Ireland.
Guaranteed Irish is currently working closely with their members in the pharmaceutical industry to develop a submission paper that will be presented to Government in October.
This paper will outline the support required to ensure the pharmaceutical sector remains in robust health in Ireland, with a particular focus on access to new medicines and overcoming existing barriers to continual innovation and R&D.
A range of events to mark ‘Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Month’ will take place during the month of October, including a round-table discussion with key political representatives.
With each of the top-ten pharmaceutical companies represented in Ireland, Guaranteed Irish will be asking the Government to work in conjunction with them to establish the country as a ‘practice-leader’ in this field.
Speaking at the launch, Brid O’Connell, CEO, Guaranteed Irish said: “The Irish pharmaceutical sector is thriving, with the world’s top ten pharmaceuticals based here. “We are the 7th largest exporter of medicinal and pharmaceutical products in the world and the sector continues to go from strength to strength, providing high tech, exciting career opportunities and contributing significantly to local communities across Ireland. It is crucial that this contribution is recognised by the Irish government.
“Patients are at the very heart of this industry and we are delighted to be working with MSD Ireland and our other members in this field to highlight the opportunity that Ireland has to be at the forefront of Europe in ensuring faster access for patients to new medicines.”
Ger Brennan, Managing Director of MSD Ireland (Human Health), added: “MSD has been a proud member of Guaranteed Irish for over ten years, playing an active part in the communities in which we operate and creating sustainable and long-term jobs nationwide. We welcome the announcement that October will showcase the important work conducted in the pharmaceutical sector in Ireland and will highlight the opportunities for Ireland to adopt innovative approaches to ensure patients gain early access to new medicines and treatments. At MSD Ireland, we take a collaborative approach in all that we do and we are committed to working closely with all of our stakeholders to ensure we play a role in delivering innovative approaches and solutions in all elements of our business.”
In addition to MSD, other leading pharmaceutical and healthcare members of Guaranteed Irish include AbbVie, BD, Hollister Inc., Ipsen, Forest Tosara Ltd, PPL Biomechanics, KCI Medical Ireland and Nutricia Ireland.
Guaranteed Irish is a not-for profit business membership organisation championing homegrown and international businesses in Ireland.
Currently, the 300+ members of Guaranteed Irish employ nearly 50,000 people in Ireland, generating a turnover of 11bn. Only member companies, which are required to meet a range of criteria before attaining membership, are given permission to display the guaranteed Irish symbol as a badge of provenance and trust.
Membership of the Guaranteed Irish organisation spans all sectors including pharmaceutical; healthcare; technology; construction; energy; professional services; manufacturing; tourism; food and drink; craft and design; retail; lifestyle; and more.
Members include KPMG, FBD, Kerry Foods, Matheson, Ervia, Bonkers.ie, Roadstone, Largo Foods, Foxford Woollen Mills, Magee 1866, Dulux, Clonakilty Black Pudding, Irish Country Hotels, Saint Gobain, Irish Pharmacy Union, Bord na Mona and Pat The Baker. The organisation considers three core criteria when assessing an applicant for membership – jobs, community and provenance.