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

Yes, it does. It states quite clearly that AEDs should not be subject to generic substitution or change. If there is to be interchangeability and substitutions, it is quite clear there will be an impact on people's lives and quality of life. They could develop seizures. As was said by many, fear alone creates considerable anxiety. In the context of the overall medical budget, what is proposed in the Bill in the context of AEDs will not save money because it is recommended that a patient should not change medicine once the correct drug is found. There will not be many changes but what I propose would give absolute certainty to people who suffer from epilepsy.

Even at this late stage, I ask the Minister of State to understand why we are pressing these amendments. We are doing so solely to give certainty to many people who have great concerns about this matter. I refer not only to people with epilepsy but to eminent consultants who deal with it daily. The latter are pleading that what we propose be accepted.

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