Pádraig Rice (Cork South-Central, Social Democrats)
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Perhaps that is one we can follow up on with the HSE and the Minister.

I understand the HSE has approved three treatments for SMA that can halt the condition's progression and significantly improve quality of life. However, an arbitrary age limit of 18 years was imposed at the time of reimbursement. The treatments were made available for those living with SMA and under the age of 18 at the time of approval and this cohort continues to receive treatment. Meanwhile, those over the age of 18 at the time of approval were denied access and continue to be excluded from the treatment. I understand there are approximately 20 adults in Ireland currently affected by this policy. According to Muscular Dystrophy Ireland, which provided the committee with a written statement, the original reimbursement submission for two of the treatments included both adult and paediatric populations, yet reimbursement was restricted to those under the age of 18. Countries such as the UK, Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal and Hungary have no age-based restrictions on that. What was the basis for the arbitrary age limit for access to SMA treatments?