Jim O'Callaghan
Question:108. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health when the cystic fibrosis drug kaftrio will be available for all children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52162/22]
View answerThursday, 20 October 2022
Questions (108, 119, 123)
Gino Kenny
Question:119. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health if the HSE has made kaftrio available to all adults and children who need the treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52400/22]
View answer
Duncan Smith
Question:123. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health the status of the reimbursement pricing negotiations for the cystic fibrosis drug kaftrio as of October 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52377/22]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 108, 119 and 123 together.
Kaftrio has been a life changing drug for Cystic Fibrosis sufferers, and I want to see it made available to everyone who needs it.
The HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines under the community drugs schemes, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013.
I have been advised by the HSE that engagement with Vertex Pharmaceuticals is ongoing, which I hope can be brought to a satisfactory conclusion for everyone.
I will be meeting with Cystic Fibrosis Ireland next week to hear their ideas for possible solutions. The meeting will include clinical experts and patient representatives, giving a voice to those with real world experience of this debilitating disease and the difference Kaftrio could make. I am optimistic that our meeting will be fruitful and contribute to making this drug available to every person who needs it.