Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 July 2022
676. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if the cystic fibrosis treatment drug Kaftrio will be made available under the drug reimbursement scheme to child patients who need it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35504/22]
View answer808. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the situation of two children (details supplied) who have cystic fibrosis and are among 35 children between the ages of six to 11 years who are being denied access to the drug Kaftrio, which would greatly improve their lives; if his attention has been further drawn to the ongoing failure of the HSE to either engage with two named organisations or to make a decision to broaden access to the drug given that the lack of access is impeding on the quality of life of the 35 children affected; if he will intervene to bring about and facilitate engagement between the HSE and the two organisations as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36017/22]
View answer823. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if he will meet with the parents of children excluded from access to the cystic fibrosis drug Kaftrio as soon as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36089/22]
View answer875. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health the engagement he or the HSE has had with a company (details supplied) with a view to resolving the ongoing exclusion of a cohort of 35 children with certain genotypes from access to the cystic fibrosis modular drug therapy, kaftrio; the details of any engagement he has had with cystic fibrosis advocacy groups in 2022 with regard to this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36241/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 676, 808, 823 and 875 together.
Under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for the administration of the community drug schemes; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
I am advised that commercial discussions between the HSE and the manufacturer on extending the availability of Kaftrio to these children are at a very sensitive stage. It would therefore not be appropriate to comment at this time as to the status of these discussions as I would not wish to jeopardise the ongoing process.
However, I can assure the that this matter is being expedited at speed and is receiving all the necessary attention.
