The Health Minister is urging Irish patients not to stockpile their medication as uncertainty builds over Brexit.

Many medicines that make their way to the Irish market are made in or transported through the UK.

Simon Harris said Ireland is well stocked to cope with any shortages – even if the UK crashes out without a deal.

He warned that stockpiling could disrupt the supply chain and affect other patients.

“We are not predicting shortages arising from Brexit but we will obviously need to monitor it closely,” he said.

“You can imagine one of the difficulties may be a delay at a port or the likes but what I am saying is that we have enough supply so that by the time someone’s through that delay, their medicine will be replenished again.”

He said the Government has been working with the pharmaceutical industry to build up additional stocks of medicine since 2018.

He said the availability of medicines will be monitored closely as the Brexit process rumbles on.

“This will continue to require ongoing vigilance as we make sure that the alternative supply routes that wholesalers and others have identified are actually in place and we are continuing to also look at emergency contingency arrangements," he said.

“It is important to note that in our supply chain we generally have a number of weeks of stock already built up.

“Industry and the State are satisfied that that is sufficient stock to deal with any potential issues in terms of delays that may happen in other places.”

He called on healthcare professionals to keep giving patients clear and accurate information to avoid disruption to supply.

“Patients should continue to fill their prescriptions as normal,” he said.

“There is no need for hospitals, pharmacists or patients to order extra quantities of medicines or for doctors to issue additional prescriptions – as doing so could disrupt existing stock levels and hamper the supply of medicines for other patients.

“Anyone who has concerns should speak to their doctor or pharmacist.”

Healthcare

The Irish and British governments have committed to maintaining the Common Travel Area regardless of what happens with Brexit and Minister Harris said citizens from both sides will keep the right to access healthcare in both countries.

Citizens will also still be able to travel to the other jurisdiction to access specialist services.