Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State. What is the difference for this particular sub-type? We have 35 children in this situation. I gave a personal example of one of them whose quality of life has been severely impacted by this decision. What is the rationale for this drug company not honouring a deal made a number of years ago? I welcome that a process has commenced and that the HTA will conclude very quickly. I ask that this happen within the next number of weeks, if not days, and that when that process is concluded the HSE proceeds at speed to make this drug available to this cohort of children. As I said, any delay is doing irreparable damage. If the children move onto the drug in a number of weeks, it will not be able to undo the damage that is already done, so time is of the essence. These children, like everyone else availing of this life-changing drug, deserve it. I ask the Minister of State to use his good offices to ensure the Minister continues to keep this as a priority so we can get a satisfactory conclusion in the next number of weeks, if not days.

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