Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Several Deputies met this morning with members of the Irish MPS Society, who are seeking support for the approval of funding to the Health Service Executive for the delivery of a drug called Vimizim. The delegates saw the Minister for Health in the corridor but were not talking to him. This is a life-changing drug for children with the rare condition, Morquio syndrome. It is very sad to hear the stories of the families concerned. The drug is manufactured in Cork, in the constituency of the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, and is available throughout Europe. I do not know what the Minister, Deputy Coveney, finds so funny about it. This is a very serious situation affecting a small number of families who are requesting a meeting with the Minister for Health. One child from Monaghan has been prescribed the drug, which is paid for by the HSE but can only be purchased in the North. It is not possible to get it in this State, even though it is manufactured here. It is a bizarre situation.

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