To ask the Minister of Health whether he has plans to introduce e-prescribing in Northern Ireland.

My Department continues to lead on a programme of work which is considering options for the replacement of the current written prescription system with an electronic prescribing system. Work is underway to identify and implement a suitable IT solution to progress this programme of work including ongoing engagement with the NHS in England over the potential use of their Electronic Prescribing Technology solution for the HSC in Northern Ireland.

My Department continues to operate under significant budgetary and financial constraints at the present time however I remain hopeful that implementation of this project will be able to proceed, once a suitable IT solution can be identified and funding secured.