Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to thank the Senator for raising this important matter. At the outset I think it is important to state that decisions on which medicines and appliances are reimbursed by the taxpayer, are not political or ministerial decisions. They are made on objective scientific and economic grounds by the HSE. The HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medical appliances under the community drug scheme in accordance with the provisions of the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013. The HSE received an application for the inclusion of the i-port Advance injection port to its non-drugs reimbursable lists on 1 July 2014. This application is now being considered in line with the provisions of the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013.

I understand that the i-port device is an injection port through which injectable medication can be given. It can be worn for up to 72 hours thereby reducing the number of injections required for those on multiple daily injections. The device should lessen the burden of daily injections and improve quality of life for patients which would be particularly beneficial for people with type 1 diabetes. The development of such innovative products and the obvious benefits the i-port may provide are welcomed. Nonetheless, the HSE must consider a wide range of criteria when assessing an application for a new product on the reimbursable list. In addition to the health needs of the public, the HSE will consider issues such as the effectiveness of the product, the proposed cost, the benefits, side-effect profile and risks of the product as well as the resources available to the Executive.

An expert group has been convened to assist the HSE in their consideration of this product. It is being led by the clinical lead for the national clinical programme for diabetes. The group has been tasked with assessing the clinical evidence to support the use of the product, to consider if the product is appropriate for reimbursement under the community drugs schemes and to assist in determining the value that the innovation presents. Its work will aid the HSE in its decision-making process. I want to assure the Senator that both the HSE and I fully understand the concerns of patients regarding the availability of this product. However, the HSE has a responsibility to undertake rigorous assessment of all applications for reimbursement so that decisions around the funding of products are clinically appropriate, fair, consistent and sustainable.