Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 March 2018
274. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Health his plans to pilot a reimbursement system that gives persons with primary progressive MS access to the drug Ocrevus while the price of this drug is being decided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10905/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra275. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Health his plans to meet a group (details supplied) to discuss the possibility of piloting a reimbursement system that gives persons with primary progressive MS access to Ocrevus while the price of this drug is being decided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10906/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 274 and 275 together.
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.
This Act gives full statutory powers to the HSE to assess and make decisions on reimbursement, taking account of expert opinion as appropriate. The HSE follows the process set out in the Act for the assessment of all drugs, including hospital drugs.
This process ensures that only treatments that are clinical and cost effective are reimbursed.
As Minister for Health I do not have any statutory power or function in relation to the reimbursement of medicines.
I am keen, if possible, to explore ways in which new medicines might be more easily introduced in Ireland. However, any innovative approaches that may be tabled must be compatible with the principles and statutory provisions which are in place. These derive in large part from the legislation passed by the Oireachtas in 2013. I am currently considering the best way to process a dialogue with stakeholders in this regard.
