Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I support what Deputy Murphy has said. We have met with various organisations which represent and advocate on behalf of people with epilepsy. We have met individuals who have epilepsy and for whom, as Deputy Murphy pointed out, huge advances have been made to manage the condition, which helps them to reach their full potential in work and life generally. Clearly, the Bill's provisions in this regard represent a retrograde step.

Most Deputies welcome the Bill and recognise the need to move to generic substitution, where possible, to reduce the burden on the taxpayer. It is only in this context that a grouping has come to us to advocate and to ask us to plead with the Government to consider their concerns about interchangeable medicines. Mr. Norman Delanty and other eminent consultants in the area have said this is an issue of major concern. He set out stories on the medical and scientific side and pointed out the impact on people who are experiencing concern and fear. Having stabilised and managed their condition, a possible change of medication means they face going back to a situation in which seizures may occur. They do not know what will happen. In the context of the Bill and the support for its aims in every other respect, this is the one issue of huge concern. I urge the Minister of State, Deputy Alex White, to consider the amendments in that context to ensure that people with epilepsy are not put in a position in which they cannot trust that they will receive the drugs they always got which allowed them to continue to manage their conditions.

Deputy Murphy has spoken for all of us in highlighting the issue. When we met representative organisations and individuals, what was striking was the fear. If the legislation is passed without these amendments, people will not be able to trust that the medication they are prescribed is the medication that has always managed their condition. The Minister of State knows what we are talking about and we urge him to look at the amendments. This is our last chance to make the provision. We have advocated for the amendment on Committee Stage and the issue was highlighted in speeches on Second Stage. The people affected have been very genuine in their lobbying and discussions with Members. Given that eminent consultants have intervened for no other reason than concern for patients, we urge the Minister of State to accept the proposal by way of whichever amendment is deemed most suitable. The thrust of the amendments should be accepted and I cannot see any reason it would not be. There is no concern about generic drug substitution in other areas. People may have views but there is no strong scientific evidence or medical evidence that substitution will cause problems. In the case of anti-epilepsy drugs, there is a body of evidence. The issue has raised its head internationally and exemptions have been made for anti-epilepsy drugs in legislation in other countries. People are not just advocating in Ireland - there is concern internationally that the therapeutic index is too narrow for anti-epileptic drugs. To change from one drug to another may have an impact on a patient's ability to lead a normal life.

I urge the Minister of State to accept the amendments.

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