In a separate RTÉ interview broadcast 21 June 2026, NCPE Director Professor Michael Barry questioned proposals for earlier access to new medicines ahead of full reimbursement assessment. He noted that for several rare disease drugs assessed this year, none had demonstrated an overall survival benefit, and argued that early access without a negotiated price reduction would expose the HSE to high budget impact for drugs of uncertain clinical value. He attributed most current assessment delays to pharmaceutical industry submission timelines rather than the NCPE assessment process itself, citing one case where 706 of 871 total days related to company-side delay.2
Blueteq comment: The Minister’s commissioning of a formal review shows that reform of Ireland’s medicines access pathway is now a priority. A six-month review reporting around December 2026 is an opportunity for Blueteq to ensure the HSE, CPU and Drugs Group are aware of how a specialist governance platform can support both the speed and the audit rigour the review is likely to recommend, addressing the data and resourcing gaps Prof Barry has flagged.
References
2. Value of early access to new medicines questioned by NCPE. RTÉ News. 21 June 2026. https://www.rte.ie/news/2026/0621/1579556-prescription-drugs-michael-barry/
