Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 September 2020
774. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the timelines for assessment of medicines referred to the RDTRC; when recommendations will be made on referred therapies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23906/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Rare Diseases Medicinal Products / Technology Review Committee is responsible for reviewing proposals received from industry or expert groups in Ireland for funding of new products for rare diseases, or expanded indications for existing products for rare diseases and making recommendations as to the implementation of the relevant recommendations from the National Rare Diseases Plan 2011-2018.
The Committee is also responsible for providing contributions to the development of clinical guidelines for relevant Orphan Medicinal Products (OMPs) and supporting the implementation of guidelines in conjunction with the National Drugs Management Programme Office where applicable.
Assessment of medicines by the Committee are carried out in response to requests received. The HSE has advised that timelines for assessment are not defined in the Committee’s terms of reference, which are due for review this year.
In 2020 no requests were received by the Committee until August when a request was received from the HSE Drugs Group to advise on two medicines. The HSE has confirmed that the Committee will meet in the week commencing 21 September 2020 to provide the requested patient and clinician engagement that will facilitate the Drugs Group’s work.
