Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 May 2016
914. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the status of the discussions between the suppliers of Sativex and the Health Service Executive regarding its inclusion under the community drugs scheme's high-tech arrangements, including when these discussions will conclude; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10507/16]
View answerOn 11 July 2014, the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 1988 were amended to allow for certain cannabis-based medicinal products to be used in Ireland. The Health Products Regulatory Authority subsequently granted a marketing authorisation for the cannabis-based medicinal product Sativex to be marketed in this State. It was then open to the holder of that authorisation to make the product available for prescribing in Ireland.
The HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicinal products under the GMS and community drug schemes, under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013. Decisions on which medicines are reimbursed by the taxpayer are made on objective, scientific and economic grounds by the HSE, on the advice of the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE). They are not political or ministerial decisions.
The HSE has received an application for the inclusion of Sativex on the High Tech Scheme. However, an NCPE health technology assessment report on Sativex has not recommended reimbursement at the submitted price. The NCPE report is an important input to assist the HSE in its decision-making process and will inform engagement between the HSE and the supplier in relation to potential pricing arrangements for this product.
As the matter remains under consideration by the HSE, I am not in a position to comment any further at present.
