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

I endorse everything Deputy Ó Caoláin said with regard to anti-epileptic drugs. There are fundamental fears and concerns and they are well vindicated and validated by the expressions of eminent consultants, who have made passionate pleas to us to raise this issue to allay any fears arising among epileptics because of this legislation. This amendment, coupled with the preceding amendments, is simply trying to allay the fear that drugs will be substituted.

Patients may be on a generic drug already. We are trying to protect, in law, their entitlement to stay on that drug because it may be the most suitable for dealing with their condition. That is the point at stake in the amendment. I endorse everything that was said. The point raised in the amendment is critical to the very principle of fairness in allowing epileptics who have their condition under control to live independent lives without fear of seizure. The Bill, if enacted as it stands, could and probably will further epileptics’ concerns about living normal, independent lives with security of supply of a medicine that treats their condition.

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