Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2017
890. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the HSE's assessment of phase III data relevant to access to Translarna for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37162/17]
View answer891. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the reason for denying HSE funding for the drug Translarna; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37163/17]
View answer978. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health if he has had discussions with the HSE regarding the decision to withdraw funding for Duchenne muscular dystrophy medication Translarna; if he has satisfied himself that every effort has been made to provide adequate alternative access to this medication to the small numbers of persons that are currently reliant on this medication; if he will detail the alternatives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37473/17]
View answer995. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health his plans to fund Translarna, a medicine for persons with Duchenne muscular dystrophy; his further plans to assist persons with this rare disease; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37523/17]
View answer1075. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Health if he has given consideration to making the Translarna drug available for persons who suffer from Duchenne muscular dystrophy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37775/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 890, 891, 978, 995 and 1075 together.
The Health Service Executive has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines under the community drug schemes, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013.
The HSE informed my Department of its decision not to reimburse Ataluren (Translarna) in July 2017. The HSE informed the manufacturer of this decision, in keeping with the requirements of the 2013 Act. The manufacturer has appealed the HSE’s decision to the High Court under Section 27 of the 2013 Act.
As proceedings have now issued against the HSE, this is now subject to the Courts process.
It would be inappropriate for me to comment on a matter currently before the Courts.
