Medicinal Products

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 2 November 2011

Wednesday, 2 November 2011

Questions (491, 492)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

501 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding the licensing of drugs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32041/11]

Brendan Griffin

Question:

545 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health his views on the licensing of a drug (details supplied); if a decision will issue on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32403/11]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 501 and 545 together.

Fingolimod (Gilenya®) is licensed for the Irish market. The manufacturer has submitted an application to the HSE for the product to be reimbursed under the High-Tech Drug Scheme. The list of medicinal products provided under the High-Tech Drug Scheme is reviewed on a regular basis and the addition of new medicines must be agreed by the HSE, the Irish Pharmacy Union, the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association and the Pharmaceutical Distributors Federation. The reimbursement of the product is currently under consideration.