A new pricing and reimbursement Framework Agreement (FASPM) between the HSE and the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association (IPHA) came into effect in 2026. Key provisions include a commitment to a 180-day new medicines review, a new declining rebate structure (beginning at 9% for medicines added in 2026), new biosimilar rules, and a requirement for suppliers to notify new medicines 12–18 months in advance.2
Blueteq comment: The introduction of formal horizon scanning obligations and a 180-day access commitment will increase the governance and data burden on the HSE’s medicines access infrastructure. The NCPE’s expanding role in EU joint assessments will further increase the volume and complexity of HTA activity flowing into national reimbursement decisions. These are the conditions under which a specialist medicines software system adds much value — providing audit trails, eligibility verification and outcome monitoring that manual systems cannot sustain at scale.
2. Pricing and reimbursement of medicines in Ireland: New Framework Agreement 2026–2029 published. Arthur Cox LLP. March 2026. https://www.arthurcox.com/knowledge/pricing-and-reimbursement-of-medicines-in-ireland/
