Espicom's in-depth pharmaceutical market reports are ideal for executives wanting to understand the key drivers in pharmaceutical markets and have access to a wealth of statistical data. Each report opens with an outlook section that provides analysis of the market, 5-year market forecasts, national data projections, market outlook and key developments such as regulation, pricing/reimbursement, intellectual property, health facilities and government policy. The report also provides extensive background information, population trends, health status, health expenditure, organisation & administration, hospital services, medical personnel, healthcare development, market access information, trade data for raw materials and finished products and essential industry contacts. Included with the report are 3 free quarterly updated outlook reports, enabling you to keep up to date with market developments for a year. Ireland is an island situated in the Atlantic Ocean, to the west of Great Britain. The island is divided into 32 counties, 26 of which constitute the Republic of Ireland. The remaining six counties constitute Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom.

Ireland has a stable political situation, with the current president having held office since 1997, after being re-appointed in 2004. After the parliamentary election in 2007, the ruling coalition reconstituted their partnership and solicited the support of the Green Party. A significant shift in policy direction is not expected, apart from an increased emphasis on environmental protection.

As a member state of the European Union, access to the pharmaceutical market in Ireland is governed by EU regulations. Many large pharmaceutical companies have a manufacturing base in Ireland as it is seen as a favourable environment, in terms of an educated workforce and providing a ‘stepping-stone' into the European Union.

Due to the presence of many multinationals in Ireland, the trade figures do not give an accurate representation of the size of the pharmaceutical market. This reflects Ireland's role as a ‘trading post' into Europe.

The pricing of pharmaceutical products in Ireland is based upon a currency adjusted UK wholesale price and the average wholesale price of five EU reference countries. Under the current scheme, prescribed drugs are available free of charge to medical card holders and for persons suffering from long-term illnesses, although sufferers of HIV/AIDS are not included.