PSI and IMB Sign Agreement

Date: 20 January 2009

The Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI) and the Irish Medicines Board (IMB) will increase mutual co-operation following the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the two regulators.

The memorandum is intended to provide a framework to assist the joint working of the two statutory regulators to ensure maximum effectiveness and efficiency for public safety when carrying out their statutory functions.

Areas in which the two bodies intend to collaborate more closely include the sharing of information and the discharge of their respective regulatory functions, particularly with regards to the sale and supply of medicinal products and medical devices.

The memorandum sets out the principles underlying this collaboration and provides guidance on the exchange of information between the two bodies.

Dr Ambrose McLoughlin, Registrar and Chief Executive of the PSI, welcomed the agreement and said, “The Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland is pleased to formalise our already close co-operation with the IMB, thus ensuring more effective regulation. This memorandum of understanding is designed to ensure that the relationship is effective and meets each organisation’s aims and objectives, particularly when there are overlapping interests and responsibilities. It is vital for patients and public safety that there is no disconnect between our two statutory agencies, and enhanced co-operation will help to ensure that.”

Pat O’Mahony, Chief Executive of the IMB, said that the new agreement would further strengthen the already good working relationship between the IMB and the PSI. “This new memorandum formalises the existing relationship between our organisations. Patient safety is at the core of the IMB’s work and this new agreement will allow for greater collaboration on important issues pertaining to the sale and supply of human medicines and medical devices which will ultimately benefit public and patient safety."

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