Summary Q4 2025
Irish Economy
The Central Bank raised its forecast for domestic economic growth, with modified domestic demand (MDD) – a measure of economic performance that accounts for the distorting effects
of multinational firms – expected to grow by 3.9% this year, up from a forecast of 2.9% three months ago.
Common Conditions Service
Under a new Common Conditions Service (CCS), Pharmacists will have the ability to advise and treat eight common and self-limiting conditions in pharmacies and to provide appropriate treatment. This expansion is part of a broader policy shift towards an enhanced role for community pharmacy in improving access to care.
Transparency of Medicines Pricing and Fees for Pharmacy Services
All pharmacies must display information about the cost of all professional services and range of fees by the end of 2025 and start of 2026. This guidance is to enable patients to make more informed decisions about their health and treatment.
US Medicine Prices
Under a most favoured nation pricing policy executive order, the United States President suggested he will change US drug pricing policy by tying what the US pays for prescription drugs
to the lowest prices paid by other developed countries. If successful, this is expected to increase prices in Europe, where pharmaceutical companies would be expected to push back on European governments to raise the prices they pay.
Global Economy
The global economy maintained steady but low growth in Q4 2025 due to easing inflation, continued consumer spending, and policy-driven demand from early 2025 until the end of the year. Global GDP growth for the year was c. 2.6%, slightly below IMF projections, with inflation falling from 5.8% to 5.3%.
