Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

They are there to assess the drug and the impact of the drug. That group was established specifically recognising that there are rare diseases that require greater consideration perhaps than a drug that can benefit a larger cohort of the population. There are more and more rare diseases in Ireland for which new drugs are coming on stream. I want to make the point, strongly, that it takes two to negotiate. It is absolutely right and proper that the Senator would apply pressure to me and to the HSE at this forum. It is the Senator's job to do that.

I would encourage similar pressure to be applied to drug companies as well, because they have the drug that parents believe can make a big difference to their children's lives. I hope the drug company and the HSE can engage in a meaningful manner on this and try to make progress.