Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In its report, the NCPE stated that it had not managed to prove the cost effectiveness of the drug against the 8,000 patients using it. However, all 8,000 MS patients do not need to use it; it is applicable only to one third of them. Perhaps that message was lost in translation, in which case I hope it will be clearly heard in the new application process.

The Minister indicated that the new application will be considered "in line with the agreed procedures and timescales for the assessment of new medicines". Will he indicate what the standard timescale might be? Is there any way we can speed it up in this case given that the drug in question will no longer be available free of charge to patients from the end of June?

That will have a serious impact. One of the ladies I met last week told me it is the difference between her making it to the bathroom and not making it. This has a really serious impact on these people's lives which is why I again call on Biogen to continue to fund these drugs for the people currently receiving them until this process between it and the HSE can be brought to a conclusion.

See this speech in context