Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am aware of it and of the potentially significant consequences as well.

I thank the Deputy for raising the issue of orphan drugs, because we need to have a serious conversation on this. On Topical Issue debates, I am constantly asked if I am going to make this or that drug available. This is despite the fact that the Dáil passed legislation in 2013 which gave all control in this area to the HSE. If people feel that the current system is broken, I would like to hear their views on what should replace it. I think it is broken too. Coming up with a better model is the conundrum.

On those specific nine drugs, the HSE informed my Department in July that it wished to make those drugs available to patients. Only the HSE can make the decision but it is supposed to inform and consult the Department if it is concerned that it cannot provide the necessary funding. Agreement was reached that the funding would be made available from within the PCRS budget, which has been showing a surplus this year. The cost for 2017 is quite minimal for these nine drugs. That decision was made and the funding is in place. I want to be crystal clear on that. The drugs are expected to be available to patients from 1 November. I understand that the target in the intervening period is to deal with matters such as prescription pathways, normal contractual arrangements, etc.