IPHA welcomes the Government’s allocation of €30 million for new life-enhancing medicines in Budget 2026 improving patient outcomes

• 6,000 patients could benefit from €30 million for new medicines announced in Budget 2026
• Minister’s commitment to adhering to the legislative timelines for new medicines decisions a significant step forward for patients
• Increase in R&D Tax Credit to improve Ireland’s competitiveness

The Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association (IPHA), the representative body for the research-based biopharmaceutical industry in Ireland, welcomes the allocation of €30 million for new, life-enhancing medicines in Budget 2026.

This level of funding is part of €217 million allocated to Primary Care Reimbursement System (PCRS) medicines, which supports the availability to tens of thousands of current and new patients of over 100 innovative medicines approved in the last four years, across all the major therapy areas and for rare diseases.

IPHA members expect to make applications for reimbursement for 32 medicines in 2026 and this funding should be used to enable faster access to these therapeutic advances for as many as 6,000 patients. These medicines would improve the standard of care for patients suffering from a number of diseases such as cancer – breast cancer, lung cancer, gynaecological cancer, multiple myeloma, acute myeloid leukaemia and others – Ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, women’s health conditions, type 2 diabetes, weight management, cardiovascular disease and Friedreich’s ataxia.

This budget allocation for new and existing medicines follows recent assurances to IPHA by Minister for Health, Jennifer Carrol MacNeill TD that in the context of discussions on a new IPHA Framework Agreement that “the State is committed to working with you [IPHA], productively, with the explicit aim of achieving the timelines set out in legislation.”  Those timelines, which have been highlighted by IPHA, refer to the HSE making a decision on an application for reimbursement of a new medicine within 180 days (excluding clock stops), as set out in the Health Act 2013.   We believe this is the first time a Minister for Health has confirmed a policy to achieve the timelines in the 2013 legislation.

“Last January the Programme for Government stated that ‘patients should have access to innovative new medicines and treatments as quickly as possible. This Budget 2026 funding for new medicines along with a commitment by the State to adhere to the legislation, represent significant steps forward for patient care in Ireland” said Oliver O’Connor, IPHA Chief Executive.

“IPHA fully supports the Minister’s view that meeting the timelines target requires a shared effort across all stakeholders and, where necessary, targeted capacity investments. IPHA will work with all parties to deliver the fastest possible access for patients, which this funding should enable.

“IPHA also recognise and welcome an increase in the R&D Tax Credit from 30% to 35%. Given the current volatile global trading environment, it is imperative that Ireland puts its best foot forward in terms of competitiveness, ensuring we remain an attractive location for FDI and to encourage greater investment in research and development for the future pipeline of innovative medicines that will improve patient outcomes.   

“IPHA remains committed to working constructively with the State to deliver timely access to innovative treatments, many of which are manufactured here in Ireland, supporting better patient outcomes and reinforcing Ireland’s position as a leader in healthcare and life sciences”.

ENDS