Drugs Payment Scheme Coverage

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 April 2017

Tuesday, 4 April 2017

Ceisteanna (502, 509)

Carol Nolan

Ceist:

502. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health the progress in the provision of the Orkambi drug for those persons diagnosed with cystic fibrosis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16193/17]

Tony McLoughlin

Ceist:

509. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Health the position in regard to providing new drugs for cystic fibrosis patients here, in view of the recent submission of Vertex to the HSE, which would ensure access to Kalydeco and Orkambi for all eligible patients; if the HSE will expedite their process of decision-making; his views on whether the HSE is doing all that it can to ensure patients can access these medicines as soon as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16248/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 502 and 509 together.

The HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013.

Since receiving the last offer from Vertex for the medicine Orkambi in January the HSE have engaged in a robust evaluation process consulting with both its legal advisors and the Department of Health. Due to the unprecedented scale of this potential investment, the HSE are working to ensure that access to this medicine is sustainable and delivers the best outcome for Irish patients and the Irish health service overall.

At the conclusion of this evaluation process the HSE identified a number of commercial and contractual issues and have proposed solutions to Vertex in order to overcome these issues. HSE negotiators have made themselves available to Vertex for the rest of this week in order to reach an agreement on the outstanding issues. I would encourage Vertex to engage in an open and honest manner with the HSE in the coming days and to truly put the best interests of Irish patients first.

I am acutely aware that the last number of months have been a stressful and worrying time for CF patients and their families. However, I am confident that this process can be concluded in a timely fashion. That said, this will ultimately be determined by Vertex's willingness to engage with the HSE in the best interest of Irish CF patients.