Simon Harris: Dublin could be home to EU medicines agency

Health Minister Simon Harris has said Dublin would be a “fantastic” home for the European Medicines Agency.

He was speaking at the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association’s annual dinner in Dublin last night, where he called on delegates to support Ireland’s bid to become the new home to the agency.

He said the agency played a vital role in protecting public and animal health by ensuring all medicines available in the EU market are safe. He highlighted the importance of minimising disruption to the agency and its employees post-Brexit.

“Dublin would be a fantastic new home for the EMA and we would very much welcome your support in bringing this key agency to Dublin,” said Mr Harris.

“Given the proximity to its current home in London and as English is the working language of the EMA, a move to Dublin would ensure any disruption... would be kept to a minimum.”

He said Ireland has a well regarded national medicines agency in the Health Products Regulatory Authority.