Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

I add my voice to those who have called for this drug to be made available to multiple sclerosis sufferers. It is available in the neighbouring jurisdiction and most European countries. At last Thursday's meeting of the Oireachtas health committee the Minister rightly referred to the frustration caused in engaging with the pharmaceutical industry, particularly by its slowness to engage, bring down prices and address all of these issues. Will he elaborate on the progress he is making in making Gilenya available? Is the slowness of the industry to engage a factor in this regard? What about its reluctance to accept the critical need to reduce the high cost of medicines for all citizens?

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