Generic, biosimilar and value-added medicines industry leadership reinforced as it prepares for the next framework agreement on pricing and supply of medicines and responds to evolving EU legislation.
Medicines for Ireland (MFI), the representative body for the suppliers of the majority of medicine in Ireland has today (22.04.25) announced Mr Donagh O’Leary as its new Vice Chairperson. Mr O’Leary will join MFI Chairperson, Paul Neill in leading the association as it enters a period of strategic significance for the industry and patients.
As Managing Director at Clonmel Healthcare Ltd, Mr O’Leary brings over 25 years of experience in the pharmaceutical sector across Ireland and the UK. During his tenure with Clonmel Healthcare Ltd, he has grown the business to become the largest supplier of consumer healthcare and generic medications in Ireland.
This year, negotiations on a new Framework Agreement on the Pricing and Supply of Medicines will take place with the State. The terms of the new Agreement will be pivotal in addressing the issues facing the supply of medicines for Irish patients that are being challenged due to rising costs and contradictory legislation coming from Europe.
The European Union’s Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (UWWTD) will introduce an extended producer responsibility (EPR), which will generate significant additional costs for the industry. MFI argues that this will place disproportionate financial and operational burdens on the generic pharmaceutical industry, hindering the supply of medicines to millions of Irish patients. The Directive will lead to severe disruptions, compromising patient access to affordable, essential and critical medicines and undermining efforts to invest in more resilient medicines manufacturing in the context of the Critical Medicines Alliance.
Commenting on his election at a recent MFI AGM, Mr O’Leary said: “I’m honoured to have been appointed by the members as Vice Chair during this pivotal time for our industry. The future of medicine availability for patients is at a critical juncture. There is an urgent need to stop the race to the bottom via complementary rather than contradictory reforms at the EU & national levels.
“At the core of the solution to addressing shortages is the introduction of flexible pricing mechanisms that allow for the adjustment of medicine prices, in line with inflation and regulatory costs. This would continue to foster competition, thereby ensuring viability for a wider number of manufacturers and better security of supply for patients.”
Mr O’Leary concluded: “Working with Paul and the wider membership, my goal is to engage with stakeholders across the State to develop and implement reforms to create a sustainable and resilient medicines supply system that protects patient access and ensures the long-term security of essential treatments across Ireland.”
Commenting on Mr O’Leary’s election, Chairperson of MFI, Paul Neill said: “I’m delighted to welcome Donagh as Vice Chairperson of MFI. He brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to our mission of improving access to medicines for patients through advocating for policies that ensure a sustainable and stable medicines supply while maintaining affordability for the healthcare system. I look forward to working closely with Donagh during this critical time for the industry. I also want to thank Deirdre Kelly for all of her support during her tenure as Vice Chairperson. I look forward to continuing to work closely with her as she progresses MFI’s work in gaining recognition and support for value-added medicines.”
