Paul Connaughton (Galway East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for her response, but the concern of MS sufferers all over the country is that her response has not changed a lot in the past six or 12 months. I have raised the issue again today and while I understand negotiations to which I am not privy have concluded, it appears that we have not moved even one little bit. I ask the Minister of State to give some indication as to when she believes we will get an answer to this question. I am not looking for a specific date, but it is very important that some indication be given to MS sufferers who see no grounds for hope. They cannot afford this drug which is simply too expensive. To make matters worse, they saw the difference it had made to their lives but then it was taken away from them owing to the expense involved. We cannot continue with a situation where all questions tabled by elected representatives on this issue are answered in the same way. We cannot see the finish line. If we do nothing else today, can we, at least, receive a indication as to whether a decision will be made in six or 12 months? When will the HSE make a decision on whether it will cover the cost of this drug for MS sufferers?

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