Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. This question has been raised by Deputies from all sides of the House numerous times recently. I know the cohort of people is very small. It is very frustrating because we would all like to see the process concluded as speedily as possible. However, as the Deputy will be aware, this process is governed by legislation, the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, which was decided by this House. It is not a political decision to decide what drugs are prescribed, although I am not suggesting the Deputy is unaware of that. It is a very prescribed process under the HSE and the drugs procurement agency, which both have a role to play. As I understand it, we expect the senior team in the HSE to make a decision. As the Deputy knows, it was not approved at the initial attempt.

It is a difficult balance to get right when dealing with multibillion euro drug companies which are coming to the Government and effectively charging what they want. We cannot say "Yes" because if we can get a better price for this drug, and if it is approved, then we can see so many more people treated. As with any other drug, there are cost efficiencies and clinical evidence to be considered. The process is at an acute stage. We, as public representatives, can continue to make the case to have it done but we also have to allow the independence of that process, as set out in the legislation of the House.

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